Help! My Kids are Home all Day!
COVID19 has created a time of uncertainty and a paradigm shift for parents. Schools close and suddenly you have the added responsibility of teaching your children at home. If your children have been in a traditional five-day program (rather than homeschool or a non-traditional school like Covenant Academy) you are taking on a new role as teacher. Some may approach this short season with fear, dread or doubt. As someone who homeschooled our children and works with parents who teach at home, the experience has huge benefits and can be very rewarding. Those of you who have just jumped in the deep end are facing some challenges. These thoughts may help you navigate to shallow water.
Focus on character.
Challenges will come. Arguing about the computer, siblings annoying one another, wanting alone time, a messy, disorganized house, a defiant child, and whining, are just some of the things likely to increase your anxiety and try your patience. Each challenge is an opportunity for you and your children to grow in character. You may be tempted to push through the struggles or separate the offenders. Instead, take time to address the heart issue and help everyone respond to one another, in a way that honors God (Ephesians 4:32). Realize that your agenda must change during this time if you are to have peace.
Write out a plan.
Proactive planning and prayer will give you the tools to handle the chaos. Determine a plan for how you will move forward as a family in the following areas: school expectations, family life, and personal time. When will the school day begin? Where will schoolwork be completed? When can your children take a break? What lessons will you do together? What subjects need your help? How can you limit distractions from siblings? When does the house get picked up? Who is responsible for what? How can personal time be respected?
You may want to include your children in some of the planning but remember you are the parent and have the final say.
Next, have a family meeting to discuss that plan.
Calm their fears regarding COVID19. They are not at serious risk and neither are you. The social distancing guidelines are in place to save the lives of thousands of individuals who are at risk (individuals with a compromised immune system and the elderly population). God is still in control and His love is everlasting.
Express the importance of teamwork and cooperation within the family. Share how each member can contribute to the wellbeing of the family’s emotional, spiritual, and physical health.
Boundaries and structure create a sense of security for children. Set boundaries for behavior and completion of schoolwork. The school year is not over. There are eight weeks left and students should be ready to return when the time comes.
Make a schedule.
You may want to keep to your child’s school schedule by maintaining the classroom routine (i.e. schedule for reading, math, recess, lunch, etc.).
If you have fewer computers than children who need to use them for online learning, make a schedule for who and how long the computer will be used.
Be sure to include outdoor play or activities. This is beneficial for brain function as well as physical and emotional health.
Enjoy time as a family.
Having more time together as a family, may be the silver lining in this ban on social gatherings. Don’t isolate further by going to separate rooms. Start the morning with a family devotion to set the tone for the day. Call upon God for help, patience, and love for one another (Psalm 28:7). Once schoolwork is done, come together to read a great book, play board games, run in the yard, go for a bike ride, put together a jigsaw puzzle or have meaningful conversation. Be present with your children.
Teach them important life skills like cooking, baking, and sewing. Involve them in handy man projects around the house. These are activities you may have wished you had time for. Now you do!
Ask for help.
Reach out to your child’s teacher for help if you have questions. Call another parent in the class who may be able to help. FaceTime other moms for support. Have a conference meeting on Zoom (or other digital platform) to share ideas, your burdens, and successes.
Use online resources to enhance learning.
There are many outstanding resources available online to extend instruction. KahnAcademy.org, PBSLearningMedia.org, BrainPop.com, Learn360.com, ReadWorks.org, Vocabulary.com, and AlgebraNation.org are just a few of the digital learning websites available. You can search the topic that relates to a lesson your child has been assigned, to offer additional instruction or enrichment.
In addition, there are instructional videos on YouTube and some great high interest television shows like How it’s Made that will capture the attention of your child. Some Math programs like Saxon, have instructional support on YouTube. Preview the videos to ensure the appropriateness and worldview of the content.
Spend time with God.
God hears your cry and He understands better than you, what you need. Cast all your cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7), be anxious for nothing but, in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
Remember we need not worry about what will come, for God is our provider (Matthew 6:25-27). God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride (Psalm 46:1-3).
I pray you find joy in learning and growing together with your children. Knowing that others care and understand your struggles brings comfort. Please share what you are doing to make the most of your school days and encourage others in their new role as parent-teacher.