Online learning has certainly brought about its challenges. With multiple family members learning and working from home, stressors are often elevated and motivation is often lacking. Here are some helpful tips for creating a more peaceful and productive home environment:
1. Set up a dedicated space Does your teen have a dedicated work space to use while they are in class online? Students need their own space that is dedicated to their “work,” the same way you set up an at-home office for yourself.
2. Keep a set routine and schedule Does your teen have a set routine and schedule? Students respond well to structure and schedules because they know what to expect next. Helping them create a daily schedule in their planner helps them visualize when they have virtual class time and when they have work time.
3. It’s hard to have any concept of time management right now. Help/Encourage your teen make a daily list of what they need to accomplish, this can even include chores (clean my room, unload the dishwasher). Next to each item, have them estimate how much time it will take. As they complete things on the list, have them list how much time it actually took and then cross off the item. A chalkboard or wipe board works well for the visual reminder, but a planner or notebook works well too.
4. Set up house rules with your teens together so they have a say in the new house rules. These rules can include limits to online games, TV time, playtime, snacks, or exercise.
5. Reinforce the rules you and your teens set. Students respond well to boundaries and actually want to see you sticking to and holding firm boundaries.
6. Talk to your teens about their fears and anxieties during this time. They may have some stress about this new way of schooling or could be upset that you have to split your attention between them and work. Reassure your teens you are always there for them.
7. The family is a system . . .Calming your emotional brain and taking a few deep breaths before confronting your teen will help the peace in your home. Teens can’t do what they can’t do. Take a deep breath and calmly ask:
-Where is your confusion?
-Where are you stuck?
-What are you having trouble with?
-What is frustrating you most?
Calmly help your student get unstuck.
In Short . . . .
Our brains crave predictability, consistency, structure, and organization. The unusual circumstances of the pandemic (and a lot of other things going on in the world) is causing our brains to need this type of stability even more. Without it, Executive Functioning becomes a challenge. Executive Functioning includes understanding directions, getting started independently, asking for help when needed, continuing to work despite distractions, completing tasks, finishing work on time, correcting careless mistakes, and remembering to turn things in on time. Executive Functioning does develop over time. Helping your teen with their online learning will further encourage the development of Executive Functioning and will make them a better student!
