Helping your kid to study during the lockdown

Last March 2020, local and international governments declared a nationwide lockdown which is another way to lessen the cases of COVID-19. This situation has an effect on everyone even with students. Their usual routine has changed. Probably it is from home, going to school, hang out/play and dine out with friends then be back at home will not happen in the meantime. Unfortunately, all year level students have their ongoing classes when this lockdown happens. The possible plan that most of the school thought about is to have online classes. It may not be easy for other schools because they don’t have online programs but for sure there are other alternatives for them. The good thing is students will still learn by giving them online examinations, assignments, online modules and readings. As a parent or guardian, maybe you are thinking how you can guide your kid in studying. Let me give you some tips in helping your kid during the lockdown.

• Explain what’s happening

For the first few weeks of lockdown, the kid may still enjoy his/her “rest days”. But days, weeks, passes by, some of them can feel anxiety and may have negative thoughts about what’s happening. According to a psychologist, explaining reasons for lockdowns can help kids focus on what they are doing. Negative thoughts and anxiety may lead to distraction; children can’t focus on what they are doing. It may end up that they can’t do any activities or grasp readings from their teachers. If your child is an adult, you can go into factual specific details, if you have a younger kid, better explain to them in a manner that they can understand.

• Be involved

Your kid is usually surrounded by his/her classmates but now, all he/she has is you and your family. Try to be involved by asking what are the plans of their school since it is a lockdown, what can he/she feels, what can you do to help him/her. By that child may feel that you wanted to be involved nicely and he/she can feel your presence and feel safe. This is a good time for you to have a strong bond while learning.

• Scheduling

Since there is no teacher around to discuss and remind them of their requirements now and then, scheduling may help kids to be responsible in doing their activities. You can help children by knowing their requirements, also helping them in managing their time. Since kids are at home, they can rest, eat, play anytime they want to but their responsibilities may be ignored. That’s why reminding them of their schedule can help them accomplish their activities.

• Online Materials

There are several resources in school learning materials that can be shared using different online platforms. Like Google Drive, Gmail, skype, hangouts, telegram, Facebook, zoom, and the likes. If kids need topics for essays, researches, and other credible inputs, you may check Google Scholars or online libraries. Both Microsoft and Google are offering free access to conferencing services which typically have a subscription charge. Parents can also take this chance to gain knowledge individually or as a group as well.

• Let the kid do things

Kids wanted attention but not too much. As a parent or guardian, you will always see them. The tendency is you may pinpoint what to do because as far as you know still, he/she has activities to work on. That can lead to anxiety and irritability of the kid or dependency. Its either you will control or spoon-feeding him/her. That’s why its okay to help but don’t overdo it. Help the kid grow even during the lockdown. You can be a great supporter and guide especially nowadays. 

Hoping that these tips will guide you in helping your kids. What we are experiencing is not easy, everything and everyone is affected by it. This is the perfect timing to bond with them using the resources that we have at home. Let us help our children realize that learning doesn’t stop in school. Hence, stay at home and be with your family. Message your friends and significant others. All we need to do is to support each other, pray and believe that this will surpass.