Archives for April 2020

If COVID-19 has taught parents anything, it’s that teachers put in real work to help students learn and achieve. Now that schools are closed, most parents have been asked to take on educational responsibilities that they might not be prepared for. If homeschooling giving you a headache, try these tips to keep yourself and your children on track.

Act Like It’s a School Day
Structure and normalcy are healthy for both children and their parents. It’s actually surprisingly difficult to get work done when you’re still in your pajamas at lunchtime. Get everyone out of bed at a reasonable hour, make breakfast, and add the schoolwork to your other work-from-home responsibilities.

Take Plenty of Breaks
Humans get tired, and children get tired much faster than their parents. One of the talents of a good teacher is the ability to notice when the class is getting bored and move their attention to something more engaging. As a parent, you might not have an arsenal of different activities, but you do have the comforts and amenities of home. Let your kids relax in between study sessions; they’ll come back refreshed, focused, and ready to learn. A good general rule is to take a 15-minute break after every hour of studying or work.

Prioritize Comprehension
COVID-19 has been stressful for everyone, and that includes your kids. They’ve been pulled out of school and away from their friends; the future looks uncertain, but they’re far too young to react. Under this combination of stressors, you really shouldn’t expect them to perform at their academic best.

Right now, the most important thing is that your kids meet the requirements needed to pass their classes and gain a general understanding of the material. They have a lifetime of education ahead of them, so don’t worry about putting together perfect lectures or touching on every resource the teachers have to offer. Go through the required readings, watch a video or two about each topic, and help your kids complete any work they’ve been assigned.
Remember You’re Not at School

You can’t take the dynamics of a classroom and expect them to work in a home environment. You’re not a teacher, and your kids aren’t in a room with 30 other students. Things are going to play out differently; if you accept this, you and your kids will get more done.

First, recognize that you won’t be able to provide high-quality lectures on every topic. More importantly, you’re not expected to. Take advantage of the resources the teachers provide. If you really want to wow your kids, admit when you’re wrong.

Second, realize that education goes much more quickly when each student can get the individual attention they need. Each day’s lessons and homework should only take a few hours, especially if your children are young. Don’t look for ways to fill that extra time; let your kids enjoy the perks of being the only stars in the classroom.

The key to keeping your stress down while homeschooling is to have reasonable expectations for both yourself and your children. Listen to what the teachers suggest, and don’t push anyone too hard.

Staying at home doesn’t mean you can’t stay in shape. No matter what your living situation looks like, try these exercises to stay active, healthy, and happy.

1) Sun Salutation
The Sun Salutation is a simple yoga routine that can be done at any skill level. These movements prioritize flexibility, healthy breathing, and general body strength. The Sun Salutation is traditionally done at the start of the day, but you can do it any time you feel cramped in your computer chair.

2) Stair Climbing
You don’t have access to the stair stepper at the gym, but there’s a good chance you have stairs somewhere in your home. Climbing up and down a set of stairs is an excellent form of exercise that raises your heart rate and builds leg strength. Don’t go too fast – stairs are for walking, not running.You can also try different stair exercises to mix up your routine.

3) Pushups and Crunches
According to a plethora of movies, pushups and crunches are the perfect way to build muscle when you’re stuck inside. All you need is some empty floor space and your own willpower, although a yoga mat is definitely a boon. You can also learn the different types of pushups to get even more out of your mini-routine.

4) Tug-of-War
This is an exercise that your best friend will be glad to help you with. You’ll need a rope or another good tug toy and room for movement. Most dogs know how to play tug-of-war instinctively, but you may need to teach yours how to play the game. Play until one of you gets tired, and remember to let the dog win frequently; they’ll be happy to come back for another round.

5) Walk a Mile at Home
When it comes to walking, the steps count more than the distance. You can get all the exercise you need by pacing through your living room or hallway. Walk by yourself while listening to music, or check out the 1 Mile Happy Walk by Leslie Sansone. Just remember that pacing can make other people nervous; don’t do this exercise while someone’s getting an assignment done.

These at-home exercises can be easily supplemented by the many free exercise videos available online. Look for routines that get your heart rate up; if you have family, choose options that don’t shake the floor or walls.