Have you noticed your children bending the rules, giving you an attitude, or not getting along with siblings like they usually do (most of the time)? You aren’t alone. 2020 has taken a toll on all of us, children included, and virtual learning isn’t making it any easier.
With new routines to get used to, limited social interactions, hours in front of the screen, and little separation between home and school, parents around the country are wringing their hands trying to manage work, remote learning, AND their children’s behavior changes.
To help your family get back to household harmony, here are some tips to improve your child’s behavior while learning from home.
1. Be consistent
It’s hard to be consistent with expectations and discipline when you’re managing a lot as a parent. Plus, we know you’re trying to give your children a break because they’re stressed out. But, clear expectations and consistent follow through makes it easier for children to know the rules and remember to follow them.
2. Get outside
Staring at a screen for a long time is hard on the eyes and there are bound to be hiccups with technology that can make learning more challenging. That can make even the most patient and flexible child frustrated, and that frustration can boil over into their behavior. Taking a screen break to get outside for some fresh air might be exactly what your child needs to lose the ‘tude.
3. Exercise
Exercise is a natural mood booster and we all know a little one in a good mood is much easier to feed dinner to at the end of the day! Get their bodies moving with some exercise inside or outside. Check out some of our favorite movement classes offered through Sawyer.
4. 1:1 Time
For very social children, one of the difficult parts of remote learning is that they don’t get enough air time during class. The kids need to talk, and without this socialization they can get frustrated or resentful. Dedicated 1:1 time with you to talk all about their favorite dinosaurs can help ease that pain point.
5. Rewards chart
We’re not suggesting trading candy for a day of not whining, but we’re also not NOT suggesting it… Instead of straight bribery though, a rewards chart may be the more effective option because you are setting expectations and helping your child learn to achieve goals. For example, if your child does a great job using their manners without needing a reminder for a whole week he could earn a movie night (complete with popcorn of course).
6. Offer choices
So much of your child’s day at home is scheduled down to the minute with class sessions and schoolwork, and they don’t get the fun benefit of hanging out with their friends. Not that you aren’t fun, you’re totally fun, but it’s not the same. Try to help your child get a little control back in their day by offering choices, like what assignment to do first or when to listen to a recorded lesson. Feeling in control can help decrease the stress levels and improve behavior.
7. Mental health day
If your child is in a real funk and school has gotten them down, a mental health day might be in order. School is important, but so is getting your child back to feeling like themself. A day off can be the rest and reset button your whole family needs.
