Homeschooling     Hot Topics     Home and Family     Healthy Kids     Teen Health     K-12    

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.




More Homeschooling


  • Indoor spots for teens to play

    Older kids need to have some play time too

    Teens need places to go that aren't lame and won't bore them to tears. We have the best in the Valley listed just for you. read more »
  • Visit cool sculpture parks in the Hudson Valley

    These sculptures are generally huge and sure to please

    Visit fun and educational sculpture gardens in the Hudson Valley. Sculpture Parks and their gardens are a unique way for families to appreciate and enjoy art. The open spaces are wonderful for kids of all ages. Most locations offer space to roam and enable us to enjoy these unique pieces at our own pace. read more »
  • Everything you need to know about student loans

    Traditional ways of paying for college aren't working

    More American families are borrowing for college. At the same time, merit aid and the use of personal income and savings i falling. read more »
  • 3 ways people of all ages can make the most of International Youth Day

    Celebrate youth activists and combat ageism

    August 12 is International Youth Day, a United Nations effort to celebrate youth activists, combat ageism and help bridge gaps between generations working toward the same change. read more »
  • Everything you should to know about student loans

    Traditional ways of paying for college aren't working

    More American families are borrowing for college. At the same time, merit aid and the use of personal income and savings i falling. read more »
  • 4 ways to get involved this global volunteer month

    It's a good time to get in on the action

    Global Volunteer Month, celebrated throughout April, is a time to recognize people who actively support their communities through volunteerism and active civic engagement. It’s also a time to get in on the action. However, if you’re like many people, you may not know where to begin. read more »
  • Minimize the risk of child identity theft

    NYS Division of Consumer Protection offers advice

    Child Identity Theft is a growing problem. According to recent data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), identity theft for those under 19 years old grew 60% in three years. read more »
  • 5 reasons why your child should (and can) learn how to play chess

    A revolutionary new game that helps kids learn this game of strategy

    Chess is one of the oldest and most popular games in history, with early forms of the game dating back to the 6th century CE. The game has certainly seen a revival since the pandemic began, as people around the globe have dusted off their chess boards and even binged one of the most-watched series ever inspired by the masterful game for much-needed entertainment. read more »
  • 5 ways to get kids excited about STEM learning

    The country needs more good scientists

    The events of the past couple of years have shown how important scientists are to making the world a better and safer place. read more »
  • Keep kids learning during summer

    3 fun, easy ways

    With school out, summertime brings long, carefree days of play and fun. With a little thought and a few supplies, summer is a perfect opportunity to revitalize their innate love of learning that may be a bit squashed after a year of academic pressures, tests and schedules. read more »