Many students are returning to school for the first time in several months. For some, it’s the first time they will be taking in-person classes in quite a while. If you and your child feel a little underprepared for the upcoming school year, you’re not alone.
The pandemic, and the restrictions that have come with it, have been unpredictable. The important thing is that you help your child get back into a good rhythm. Below, Spiffy Socks has provided some practical advice for how you can do just that.
Being a Role Model
You may not know it, but your child watches everything you do. When you are in a good mood and accomplishing your goals, your child notices. When you’re discouraged, frustrated, or making rash decisions, they see that too. The best way that you can help your child prepare for the upcoming school year is to model the behavior you would like to see from them.
As a parent, you are naturally a teacher. Even when you don’t realize it, you are instilling values and lessons through your actions and words. Kids are more likely to excel in academics if their parents are involved in early childhood learning. And if you are successful in completing your daily tasks as a parent, your child will be more prone to show persistence in school. Make sure you are incorporating healthy habits into your routine, as well as providing your children with the supplies they need, from notebooks to clothes (including comfortable socks).
Leading Your Kids Through Anxiety
Change can be stressful for children. If your child has been out of school for some time now, they may be feeling anxious about returning. Some of it may be COVID-related, particularly if they will be required to wear a mask and isolate themselves from their friends. And some of it may be normal childhood struggles like bullying or trying to adjust to a new structure.
Talk with your child each day about any concerns or difficult experiences they are having. Let them know that you are listening, and talk them through each challenge as you help them overcome their anxiety. And remember to have a little extra grace if you see behavioral changes since those often stem from stress and anxiety
Succeeding in Online Courses
A lot of kids are still doing online courses, whether full-time or part-time. If your child has been tasked with learning online, make sure they have all the equipment they need to study and complete homework at home. This might include a laptop, tablet, headphones, and various software products.
Also, your child may run into problems when trying to understand assignment instructions, completing their work, or submitting their work. Make sure you are by their side so that you can help lead them to success.
Teaching Your Kids to Communicate
It’s common for teachers to communicate with students and parents through online channels these days. Depending on the age of your child, they might be expected to communicate regularly through email or posting comments on an online portal. Show them how to use these channels constructively, and set ground rules for cell phones, social media, and the like.
If you want your child to get back into the swing of things after the New Year, model the behavior you hope your child exhibits and guide them through any anxiety they might be dealing with. Make sure they have the tools and guidance necessary to succeed in online courses and teach them how to communicate effectively through modern communication channels. In no time, your family might even feel like you’re approaching something close to normal!
Spiffy Socks is on a mission to bring our superhero socks to every shoe wearer in the world. Click here to get started!