The Family Five: 5 ways to support your child's return to in-person learning
With Michigan schools being encouraged to provide in-person learning by March 1, many families are figuring out how to switch from the virtual world to the school classroom. While the thought of a sense of normalcy may be exciting, parents and children may experience anxieties about how to transition roles and schedules. Here are five tips for transitioning your family from virtual school to in-person learning:
Talk with your child: Be proactive with conversations with your children. While some children may come to their parents wanting to talk, others need parents to take the lead. Be open to listening to any fears or concerns your child has. Share your own experiences and provide them with facts they can understand.
Help your child continue to cope: Kids do best when they feel loved by their caregivers, which happens through quality time and staying connected. Young children like to know what to expect. Discuss new routines, safety procedures, and people they will see. Pre-adolescent children tend to ask questions. Provide them with answers and help them discern what is factual. Teenagers want to be included in decisions. Guide them toward reliable information and help them set personal goals.
Create a schedule: Routines help children know what to expect and help provide a sense of control. Get back on a regular sleep schedule by slowly pushing up bedtimes to ease the transition. Plan morning, evening, and homework routines.
Be positive about the future: Children thrive most when they know the positive meaning of a situation. Discuss what the pandemic has given you time to do, such as more family time, learning new hobbies, etc. Embrace this time as an opportunity to teach problem-solving, adapting to change, and taking care of ourselves and others.
Manage your own stress: The past year has been stressful and you may be dealing with your own worry, grief and fears. Parents have become accustomed to having their children around them all the time and the thought of being separated may provoke additional anxiety. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by following a proper diet, getting adequate sleep and exercising. Keep connected with your loved ones and make time for activities that you enjoy.
Hello! I am Amanda Robertson, and I am the Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist for Oakland Family Services’ Children’s Learning Centers. I have been working with children for almost 20 years and have one baby girl of my own. I have a master’s degree in counseling from Oakland University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology with an emphasis in child development. My career began with teaching day care and expanded to various positions including ABA therapy, child welfare and residential treatment. I absolutely love what I do and love being a part of Oakland Family Services!
