You’d be hard-pressed to find parents anywhere these days who haven’t experienced some frustration with homeschooling their kids – and that might be putting it mildly for some of us.
It’s hard enough to get kids to do their homework, let alone being responsible for guiding them through an entire curriculum. We’re going to take a moment to give you some tips on keeping your juniors motivated, positive, and productive.
Routine and Consistency are your Friends
Set a routine and see things fall into place, day after day, and in this instance, week after week. Perhaps learning is done in the morning, while fun activities are in the afternoon.
Communicate with your kids and let them know what’s expected of them. Better yet, set goals and reward them once schoolwork has been accomplished.
Rewards can be simple, like additional playtime with a favorite game or activity, or an ideal food for dinner. Mix it up and spend time with your kids that involve out-of-the-ordinary adventures, like exploring the field behind your house or allowing the family dog to sleep in your child’s room.
Empower your Kids
What’s critical is that you empower kids to make up their rewards; however, you’re bound to get some pushback in some instances and be prepared to listen and empathize with frustrations. Allow your kids to feel involved with the learning-reward process on all levels.
Sometimes you won’t budge on rules, which is why a simple explanation can help your kids accept specific guidelines. Tantrums and nagging are bound to happen, so taking defiance in stride is essential for the family dynamic and your sanity. Take a breather and give your child a break before you reintroduce the problem topic.
Try to remain positive and know that as our communities continue to reopen, you will have more resources available to keep your kids occupied and mentally stimulated.
Remember to stay vigilant regarding handwashing, practicing social distancing, and wearing a face covering. If you or your kids feel sick, feel free to give us a call, or schedule a telemedicine visit by clicking here.
