Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash
CHURCH SOCIAL TIPS
School is back, but for many it’s online. Even though students and parents were not unprepared for this experience, it was still difficult to accept that once again there would be distance learning for now.
In addition to distance learning, many parents are grappling with the challenges of living under the new stay-at-home orders. Here are four things you can do to help manage these experiences.
Pray
In all things, it is important to seek intercession when we find ourselves faced with difficulties. Praying to our Lord or a saint who is the specific patron of what you need is a powerful practice to share with kids while they are distance learning. Use your commute time to pray before starting the day.
Modeling prayerful practices for your children during a time when they are struggling to find a sense of calm and peace of mind can counteract these feelings. Daily communal prayer provides an anchor to our faith and our family.
There are easy online tools available to lead you and your family in prayer practices. One of my favorites is the Hallow app. Find an online daily devotional or, better yet, let your children find something that is relatable to them.
Homework: Have each family member find a saint to intercede for them regarding their personal need or interest. For example, Google “patron saint of pandemics.” St. Corona is rising in popularity although her association with pandemics is uncertain.
Play
Play is important for young people to help with their mental health and socialization. But it’s hard to do in midst of the pandemic. A recent Parents Magazine article listed 21 socially distanced and safe activities for kids to do. Visit parents.com/fun/games/social-distancing-games-and-safe-activities-for-kids
Homework: Review the activity list with your kids and choose some to do with friends and family. Choose specific days and times each week to fold play into your schedule.
Prepare
Each of your kids has a class schedule. With distance learning, parents have to establish a schedule for completing the day’s assignments, but it can be challenging based upon your family situations.
Many kids spend too much time staring at screens. You can set their devices to limit their screen access. Safety.Google provides instructions to help you manage your child’s screen time.
Also, explore resources to help your child with lessons and concepts that are hard for them to understand. Khan Academy on YouTube helps kids with math, science and humanities, for example.
Homework: Ask your kid’s teachers for online tools that might help your child with subjects they are struggling with. Search for online resources with your child.
Pop In
Be sure to “pop-in” on your kids to make sure they are OK. Ask questions: Can you tell me what you know about or are feeling about the virus? How are you feeling about not being able to be at school or be away from your friends? Do a “fist-to-five” check-in daily to ascertain your child’s mood by a show of fingers.
Homework: Create a poster that defines the five using colors or emojis. (yellow-happy, red-angry, blue-sad, green-excited, purple-confused)
May God keep your family safe.
Sherry Hayes-Peirce is a digital communications consultant based in California.