It’s safe to say that 2020 was a challenging year, especially for parents. Many schools across the world took a break or went “virtual” with their learning. Unfortunately, doing so has raised questions about mental health risks for kids.
Thankfully, more schools are starting to return to in-person learning. There is a light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic, and as long as schools can safely teach children, they should! But, what if your child is nervous about going back, or they just seem unmotivated after being at home for so long? It’s not just teenagers that need motivation when it comes to school. Younger children can sometimes use a boost, too.
Thankfully, there are things you can do to get your kids excited about going back to school. Putting these ideas into practice will make the process easier on everyone, and introduce a sense of normalcy back into their lives.
1. Set an Example
If you have younger children, they observe you more than you might realize. By showing a love of learning, yourself, your kids are likely to be more excited about learning, too.
Always be curious, especially when your kids are around. Ask people questions, learn how things work, and create moments of discovery as often as possible. When your children associate learning with something fun, they’re more likely to want more of it, which can encourage them to go back to school.
2. Show Interest in Their School
Make sure to take an interest in whatever your child is doing at school. That includes checking their homework every day and asking questions about it, to getting involved at the school itself. Consider becoming a part of a parents’ group, or setting up a virtual school fundraiser to help with expenses.
When you commit to an active role in your child’s education, they’ll see how excited you are, and that excitement will rub off on them. Kids love knowing their parents are interested in what they’re doing. It doesn’t take much time or effort, but it can make a big difference for them.
3. Read Constantly
Reading is a fantastic way to keep your kids excited about school. Read a book with them every night, or take them to the local library to let them pick out a book. Ideally, you should start reading to your child from a very early age. But, it’s never too late to get started. Children who are active readers are more likely to become lifelong learners, and that starts by going to school and soaking in as much as possible.
As your kids transition back to in-person learning, keep these tips in mind to get them excited about the school experience. Don’t expect everything to go perfectly, and don’t expect any drastic changes in the way they feel overnight. But, it shouldn’t take long before they fall into a comfortable routine again. When they get used to being with their friends and seeing their teachers each day, they’re more likely to look forward to school rather than having to learn at home.
Leave a Reply