5 Ways to Keep your Children’s Mind Alert during Distance Learning
The hype of distance learning is slowly fading away as many students and parents complain of its threats to mental health. This may sound alarming, but distance learning is here to stay as part of the new normal. Distance learning is may be a triggering factor to mental health but it is manageable.
Parents now are paying more attention to their children’s distance learning. They monitor their behavior and attitude closely to see if there are changes. This may sound too much but there are studies that back up this theory and give light to those who are experiencing it.
Children, even teenagers, do not fully grasp the real situation that is happening because of the pandemic. Everything happens in a flash, and they do not have enough time to let it all sink into their system. They just follow on what they are told to do hoping that distance learning will be over and face-to-face classes will happen soon.
How to know if your children are getting exhausted with distance learning?
1. They do not want to participate actively in distance learning.
Distance learning is becoming a burden to your child after months of doing it especially on their mental health. They feel too tired even to attend their class. They do not participate in any class activities and will prefer to watch his/ her classmate or worse, turn off his/ her camera.
2. They easily get upset when it is time for class.
Apart from not participating in class, they always appear to be upset. They seem to be in a bad mood when you ask them about their classes. They often complain about how difficult distance learning is and nothing works in cheering them up.
3. They are not progressing in their classes.
One way of knowing that your children are enjoying distance learning is when they clearly see that their grades are high and getting better. When your children remain stagnant in their studies and refuse to do their assignment, surely they are not having the best time in their distance learning.
4. They are acting withdrawn towards you and to studying.
You may often hear them saying they are getting bored from distance learning. It may seem like a normal reaction, but this could mean that they are not challenged enough in their classes. This may also convey that they are feeling anxious and depressed which could be red flags into something more serious.
As a parent, you want your children to be at their best all the time. If their change of behavior and mood worries you, you should consider seeking psychological services. There are institutions now that offer depression therapy near me and counseling therapy.
How to keep your children’s mind alert in distance learning?
Distance learning can take a toll on your children’s mind as they feel isolated, stressed, and anxious with all that has been happening. There are no perfect ways to deal with exhaustion from distance learning, but you can try doing these simple tips.
1. Let them eat healthy food.
Food has an impact on your mood and stamina. With the children staying at home all day, there are countless idle times. Doing fewer physical activities make them susceptible to laziness and tantrums.
Children love eating junk food and sweets and these can trigger negative vibes and bad moods. Experts suggest that the best food combination that enhances mood are complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy produce.
Foods high in protein such as fish, beef, chicken, tofu, beans, and eggs increase the level of dopamine and norepinephrine that result in better mood, motivation and concentration. The serotonin found in complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, quinoa and rolled oats makes you feel good all the time. Consuming fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamins and minerals keeps you happy all throughout the day.
2. Allow them to have play time.
The main reason why distance learning threatens the mental health of your children is because they have less time in social interaction. During this time, your children feel that they are not connecting with their friends anymore. They feel isolated and alone.
Though academic excellence is much appreciated, it is not everything. Let your children be children. Find ways for them to connect and interact with their friends. Since it is still dangerous for young children to be outside, you can set play dates at your own home. For your teenagers, you may allow them to visit the homes of their friends or to neighborhood coffee shops. All they need is a breather from distance learning.
3. Make learning a fun and engaging activity.
If you observe that your children are not progressing in academics, you can help your child. The best way to teach your children their lesson in school is infusing tricks into chores. Practice the writing skills of your children by letting them do the grocery list. Ask them to collect household items according to their shapes or to group their toys based on colors. For your teenagers, let them do the weekly budget. Assign them to cook meals for the family or prepare healthy snacks for their younger siblings.
If you run out of ideas, you can always consult their teachers or any therapist around Corona, California, Riverside, California and Los Angeles, California. They will give you great pointers to deal with your children’s behavior and attitude.
4. Give them rewards.
Times may be changing fast but one thing that remains true is children love getting prizes and praises. Distance learning minimizes the feeling of pride and joy in receiving rewards and compliments. It is so impersonal that children tend to easily forget them. Why not practice this reward system at home?
You set the rules in giving rewards so that they will not use this way of manipulating you. Instead of giving them rewards every time they participate in class, you could tell them that if they accumulated certain points in participation, they could watch their favorite movie on a school day. If they get good grades in a big exam, they can invite a friend over to play.
Tailor the rewards based on your children’s interests and personality so that they will always feel motivated and surprised.
5. Let them talk to someone.
If you still feel that your children are having a hard time adjusting to distance learning, do not waste time and set an appointment with Mindshift Psychological Services near me. You can avail of their many psychological services such as Individual Psychotherapy, Group Therapy, Child Psychology and Teen Therapy near me. Contact them at (714) 584-9700.
Distance learning is a way of showing your children that in every adversity there is always a solution. Help them cope up with this change by supporting them in every way and extending your patience and understanding.
