By Julie Penta, M.A., M.A.ED, Director of Artisan Childcare Center - Woburn
With the news that our closure will be extended until June 28, 2020, I want to take a moment to offer some reassurance to all of you in educating your young child at home. This is a difficult time for all parents as many of you are figuring out how to manage working from home and your child’s education. Most importantly, you need not add to that stress worrying whether or not your child is staying on track academically or developmentally. Educators and those in the support services (early intervention, therapeutic interventionists, etc) are fully aware of the implications of this moment and are prepared to meet your children where they are when they return to school. There is an expected level of regression that comes with this disruption and a certain level of trauma that children and families are experiencing which have their own implications in development and learning.
Though there is no one size fits all solution for families, there are a few things that parents can do to help their children be as emotionally secure as they can through this experience so that they are in the best position for learning later.
• Do what works for your family. Please do not feel pressured by all the schedules and activities posted in social media. Those may not be best for your family or your child(ren). Some children will thrive in routine while other families may need a more flexible schedule.
• Support your child emotionally. Identify and validate their feelings with them. If joining a Zoom meeting or trying to write letters is causing more stress for your child, it’s ok not to do it.
• Emotional support over academic support. This is not the time to worry about whether or not your child will write their name before kindergarten. They will get there. Continue to provide the activities and opportunities for this learning, but manage your expectations. Learning is different in times of crisis, but the act of engaging in familiar learning activities will provide the normalcy that will help them through this moment.
• Regression and behavioral changes are expected. You may be hearing of more belly aches and headaches, sleep disruptions, or perhaps your child has regressed in an area they had previously mastered. This is to be expected when a disruption/traumatic event occurs. Comfort and support your child and meet them where they are now.
Below are a few links that I have found helpful in understanding this moment in how it relates to parenting, children’s development, and learning. Additionally, if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s development or behavior and would like to schedule a conference with me, I am happy to do so.
Helpful links:
What Past Education Emergencies Tell Us About Our Future Edutopia
Parenting Right Now is Really Hard Psychology Today
How to Help Your Kids Through This Challenging Time (not promoting Kumon, did like the article)
Anxiety and Coping with the Corona Virus The Child Mind Institute