5 Tips for Muslim Parents’ to Navigate Online Learning During a Pandemic by Marwa Abdelhaleem
Across the world, due to a global pandemic, things changed. Things changed so drastically and so quickly that we barely had time to digest what was happening, let alone devise a plan for what was to come. One drastic change was the indefinite closure of schools. Millions of students worldwide were asked to take learning online. Parents suddenly
found themselves needing to wear not only the parent hat but a teacher hat as well—all the while working their fulltime jobs. They were left to fend for themselves and pick up where their children left off at school. Parents needed to juggle the responsibilities of their job, their family, and their child’s academic performance while maintaining an emotionally
and physically balanced and healthy lifestyle. As a parent of a 12-year-old and a fulltime teacher, learning online presented challenges that neither of us was ready to tackle. Nevertheless, we went into survival mode and got through it together. After 11 weeks of virtual learning, here is how I tried my best to keep my child’s online learning positive and safe.
1.Be open and honest: Whether your child is in Kindergarten or High School, having an honest dialog about Covid-19 is vital. Let them know that they can come to you with any questions or concerns and answer your child’s questions in a factual and age-appropriate manner. There is no need to provide too many details that may confuse them or worry them. Address any fears or anxieties that they may have and pay close attention to what they see or hear on TV or online. Remind them that Allah swt is in control and that He doesn’t test us with more than we can bear.
40
