No one ever thought that we would be living through a pandemic, and yet we are. Life can really throw curve balls our way. Virtual school for many is one of those curve balls that has come with this pandemic.

I have a son in Kindergarten and he started virtual learning two months ago. He has 2-3 hours a day of live online classes and then 9-12 independent assignments, which really means parent taught assignments because five year olds cannot read. Our house, has become so stressful. My husband and I both have been working from home, but trying to juggle who has a conference call at what time, who can get our child on his zooms and who can help him with his “independent work” is a joke! Not to mention, my poor child throws tantrums before each online class and cries that he hates school, which is heartbreaking because Kindergarten is supposed to be fun.

Create a learning space for your child – Get a desk or learning table and school supplies. You want your child to have their own space to learn, free from distractions

Create a Routine –

• Get up the same time every day – eat breakfast, get dressed, brush teeth

• Have lunch the same time each day

• Go to bed the same time each night

There should be some structure, just like if they were going to school

Do not sit with them during class – Although it is tempting, this is a time for you to get your stuff done and for the teacher to take over. You will not be there when they go back to school

Take breaks – After each class, make sure your child has a break. If I have time, we will take a drive and get a smoothie, go for a walk, have a dance party, watch some TV or do something without a lot of stimulation. Do not do all the assignments at once. We do my son’s reading and science and then take at least an hour break

Stay Organized – If you are not organized, you and your child will be stressed. I write out a daily schedule on a white board with all of the independent assignments and cross things out as we accomplish them

Be Flexible – The schools are trying to be flexible and so should we as parents. Some days your kids may be in such a bad mood and so frustrated that they do not want to get online. Let the teacher know. I have let my son skip a class here an there as well as an assignment here and there. This is hard on them, especially the little ones

Give Praise and Encouragement – This is not easy, as frustrated and impatient as you are feeling, make sure to tell your child how well they are doing and how smart they are. Positive reinforcement is really important

I hope this helps some of you that are stressed and overwhelmed by virtual school. Remember, this is new for all of us, and not ideal, so give yourself a break. It is ok to be a little stressed and frustrated. We will all get through this together and hopefully end up stronger.