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7 suggestions on dealing with schooling



Talk to your kids about what will happen this school year

school, kids, parents, autumn

What do we tell our kids as authorities on a statewide and national basis, as well as in our schools, work out how school is going to look for them this autumn?

Rebecca Alwine of Military.com wrote about the subject in terms of military families following a recent back-to-school webinar presented by the Military Child Education Coalition. But her conclusions are valid for all parents and children.

The webinar, she says, focused on what they suggest are seven unchanging tips for parenting through this time, no matter how the protocols change for the upcoming semester. They include

1. Model good behavior.

2. Stay positive. Make sure you are modeling a good discussion by presenting both sides of the argument and not insulting anyone who disagrees with you.

3. Talk with your kids about changes to schedules, why they are wearing a mask or why they're learning from home. Give them time to process their feelings and then listen when they're ready to talk.

4. Have a plan to work together with your child's teacher. It has never been more important. According to a study from Harvard, when teachers and families work together, homework completion increases by 40%.

5. Ask for help. From the teacher to Tutor.com there is something for everyone.

READ MORE: Finding the right tutor for your child

6. Teach communication skills. Encourage your kids to write an email or message to their teacher when they have a question. Or have them ask for a video chat to review a math problem.

7. Create positive routines. Try to keep school in one "section" of the house or schedule and then let the rest of life be normal.

“Over the course of the next year, we're going to see a lot of changes in our children's education. Some of them will be good, and some of them will be challenging,” Alwine concludes. “But we know our kids better than anyone else. We know what they can handle and when they need a break. Don't hesitate to give them what they need."

These are great suggestions to hold on to when all else seems to be pulling us apart. So when all else is fragmented use these tips as an anchor.




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