How to Manage Stress When Home-schooling During COVID-19

The novel Coronavirus has created a global stir, making it a confusing and challenging period for everyone. Most parents find themselves working from home, while their children are completing assignments remotely. Times like these make it stressful for both, parents and students, because while it is important to ensure the academic success of your child, it’s just as crucial for parents to practice patience and flexibility. Juggling multiple responsibilities can be daunting, but we’ve compiled a few tips for you to successfully manage your job and your kids at the same time. 

1. Make the most of online resources  

There are several online platforms where you can sign up for educational activities and subject-specific courses. For instance, if your child is keen on reading and writing, you can make the most of an online English summer program that can further develop their skills in a field they already love. You could also try new things and keep your child occupied during their free time by visiting virtual museums or even indulging in online deep sea diving. With the number of options available on the internet, there is plenty of scope for productivity as well as entertainment.

2. Set realistic goals

Remote learning offers your family a chance to establish a routine and subsequently lower the stress associated with these uncertain times. However, make sure that you set realistic goals for your kids. While it’s important to ensure that they garner academic success, it is just as crucial to strike a balance between work and fun. Creating a schedule and allotting time for different activities at different times of the day will make it easier to manage stress when home-schooling during COVID-19. 

3. Be patient and flexible 

While it’s important to establish a routine to better manage your child’s day, make sure that you’re patient with your child. They might find it hard to follow the schedule every day, so be flexible, because the last thing most kids want is to feel like they’re sticking to their usual school schedule. Give them time to get into the rhythm without forcing them to do so. If they are finding it hard to focus on their studies, for instance, you can spend some time doing fun things like building blanket forts or playing board games or anything that might help them feel better.   

4. Connect with teachers

Although teachers are working remotely, they maintain office hours and are available during the day. They provide one-on-one appointments that you could utilize if you’re unsure about your child’s academics. Getting in touch with your kid’s teachers can not only make it easy for you to understand their expectations from your child, but will also help them understand what’s going on in your household, thereby allowing them to offer tips and tricks on how to better manage your child’s studies during the pandemic. 

5. Create a group and catch up every day

If these times are too stressful for you and your kid, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends or your kid’s friends’ families. You’ll come across a lot of parents who are finding it hard to manage stress when home-schooling during COVID-19. Connecting with them and scheduling virtual meet-ups on Zoom regularly will allow your kids to socialize and stay connected with their friends even while they’re away from school. Setting a fixed time every day will give the children something to look forward to, while allowing you some time to catch up with work or engage in household chores. 

One of the best ways to keep your child productive during these uncertain times is getting them involved with learning new things. A fun, interactive online summer program will not only keep them occupied, but will also help them develop skills that will come in handy later on in their lives.