What gives kids the drive to do things? Often, it’s the prospect of succeeding—or if not succeeding then at least improving. The more kids feel competent at a task, the more likely they are to enjoy the activity and want to get better at it. Success builds motivation, which leads to more success. Earlier, the new school year used to be a reason for excitement for kids: meeting their friends. But today, it is nothing like that. Virtual learning does not look as exciting as in-person learning. For today’s post, I decided to talk about motivating your child to keep up with online school work.

For this topic, I would like to thank my daughter.  Here, the school year started in the second week of August. Before that, I had a mini talk session with her about what to expect during the new school year. We also talked about how she feels and her thoughts about this whole new teaching style of virtual learning. After we were done talking, she came up to me and suggested me to write on this topic for all the kids attending virtual classes.

The school year will be different, but kids would be able to finish their grade. Emotionally it is challenging as they will not be able to meet their friends in person. Still, the positive side is, they can see them over their online classes, academically it will be little extra work as teachers will not be there to answer their questions. Still, now, they are well prepared to handle this situation virtually. Last year, everything happened when the school session was in progress (in the USA, school ends in May end or August beginning), and it was a new scenario even for the school district. So, yes, it is natural for them to get anxious, but we can help them by keeping them motivated for virtual learning. So, let me share what mini talk I had with her,

1. Habits Part:

Going to bed on time: Yes, my first point is about sleep. Staying up late at night and getting up late is one thing, kids have enjoyed a lot during their break. Now all of a sudden, late-night chits-chats will need a break. It is not a pleasant feeling, but to keep their mornings less chaotic, they have to plan things a night before.

Having a proper routine is a must: They don’t have to rush in the morning to catch their bus, but that should not be why they wake up late and enjoy their sweet time in the morning. Their morning should be exactly like how it used to be before.

Setting up their study table, keeping their device fully charged, and stationery in place. Half of the time is lost in searching for a pen or eraser. Having a water bottle by their side will be a good idea.

Proper lunch:  With virtual learning, kids are getting a break in between their classes. They should use their breaks wisely and eat lunch in the designated time window. It is better if they do not watch TV while eating. I know they might say that they had enough and if they can have some TV time during their lunch hour but explain it to them that they just had continuous screen time and again they will be sitting in front of the screen for next couple of hours so use the lunch break as relaxing time.

2.Emotional Part:

Don’t make assumptions on what’s going to work. Instead, ask questions: See how they’re holding up, ask how they feel, determine what they want to accomplish, and figure out what you can do to support them.

Let them talk to you about their insecurities and fear: If they want to speak up about what they are not liking, let them do that. Sometimes they have heard not such great stories about some teachers and to their luck, they have got those teachers. Now what? The new episode of story-making starts. This is the time we have to tell them that everybody’s experiences are different.

Similarly, if they don’t have any prior knowledge about a teacher, then that’s another area of concern for them. To this, I would say it’s good that you don’t know anything about your teacher. You will not go with anticipation. These concerns might seem very small to us, but for students, they are not small.

Don’t compare your school days with them: We don’t do it intentionally but at times, when our kids don’t want to listen to us we say, “we used to get up at this time.”, ” you are lucky to have resources.”.etc.. Please be thoughtful about the fact that a) they are not going to understand how our schooling was, b) there wasn’t any pandemic when we were studying, and c) don’t tell them their anxiety is not right.

Ask them questions and take them towards a positive thinking state:

Child: You don’t know how hard virtual learning is.

You: I am not saying that it is not hard, but I know you can do it. I have full confidence in you.

Child: It is hard to understand everything virtually.

You: I know it is challenging, and it is hard to fill the gaps between in-person and virtual learning, but it is equally challenging for teachers. They have the responsibility to finish the course and make sure that students can understand their lectures.

Child: Why is this happening?

You: No one knows why this is happening and when it will end, but the learning hasn’t stopped. You are lucky to have the resources to keep it going. This will be an exceptional experience for all of us. 

The fear and uncertainty surrounding this back-to-school season isn’t the way any family wants to start the year. If we have learned anything during this crisis, it’s to expect the unexpected. Your kid may not take to the new learning environment. Celebrate the little victories, and start tomorrow with fresh eyes.

Happy Parenting!!