The beginning of this school year promises to be
unique in many ways. Whether your students return to school full-time,
participate in a hybrid plan, or work remotely from home, they are going to
face some adjustments. Young people are resilient, and you might be surprised
at how well they handle all the changes. Here are some ways to help your
students be successful no matter how they will be learning this year.
1. Manage Expectations
It is important to talk to
your children about the current school plan for your district and the decisions
your family has made. Uncertainty can cause children and adolescents anxiety,
so being transparent with them about how the school will look for them this year is
important. Be sure to reassure them that this situation is temporary, and they
will return to a regular school schedule eventually. If they are attending
school in-person, practice wearing masks and methods of greeting their friends
so they can maintain social distancing.
2. Designate Space and Stock Up On Supplies
Whether
your students are working remotely or attending school full-time, it is useful
to have a workspace designated for them to complete their assignments.
Depending on how your students work best, this could be a desk in their
bedrooms or a corner of the family room. Using the table or desk only for
schoolwork will help them focus and separate work from free time. Having the
supplies they need on hand will reduce stress and eliminate the need for a
last-minute run for markers or poster board.
3. Maintain A Schedule
During the traditional school
year, this is much easier to accomplish because of the daily school schedule
that might include sports practices, after-school classes, or clubs. Though it
might be more difficult when students are home all day, it is just as important
to maintain a daily routine of wake-up and bedtimes, meal and snack times, and
work and playtimes. It is so easy for students to be overly immersed in their
devices when they are learning online, so make sure to schedule some screen-free
time for the family each day.
4. Plan Your Outfits
Choosing your clothes the night
before or even planning outfits for a week saves a lot of time and frustration
in the mornings and helps everyone get out the door on time. If your students
are working remotely, consider requiring them to dress for school, just as if
they were attending in person. It will put them in a professional mindset for
the school day ahead and prevent any accidental pajama sightings on their
online classes. Then, when they’re done with their assignments and on-line
lessons, they can change back into their favorite comfy pajama pants.
5. Communicate
Set aside some regular time to talk to
your students about how they are handling all the changes, and, if they are
struggling, what they need to feel more successful. It is also important that
you feel comfortable communicating with your students’ teachers, counselors,
and administrators. Make sure you have their email addresses and telephone
numbers handy so you can reach out when you need them. Maintaining a family
calendar of activities, especially if your students are sharing electronic
devices to complete assignments, will help alleviate some of the stress
everyone is feeling right now.
6. Plan Your Meals & Snacks
This year is going to
be hectic. Planning dinners (and even breakfasts and lunches!) a week at a time
helps make grocery shopping easier and reduces last-minute decision stress.
Include your children in the planning, preparation, and clean-up. If they are
old enough, let them plan and prepare meals. It will give them something
purposeful to do and help them learn new skills. Mealtime is a great time to
connect with your children and hear their thoughts and feelings. Don’t forget
to add Superberries Aroniaberry Gummy Chews to your snack list. Our gummies are made from the top
antioxidant, the Aronia berry. Aronia berries are so important in helping us maintain good health.
7. Have Recess
Even if your children are too old for
recess at school, plan exercise fun time with the family. You could take walks
together, play games outside, or have indoor dance parties. However, you do it,
have fun. Physical activity and laughter are some of the best ways to lower
your stress levels.
No matter what this year brings, be gentle with
yourselves. Adapting to change isn’t easy. Just make sure that you do the best
you can and ask the same of your children. Teachers and administration do care
about your children and want them to be safe and learning, just as you do. Ask
for help when you need it, because everyone needs support now and then.
