Cherie Gough
r o f s p i T l a v i v Sur
Distance ing Learn
School looks really different this year, and for many families, includes some (or all) distance learning. In the spring, COVID-19 put a spotlight on our children’s socialemotional and mental health, schoolwork habits, learning styles, time management and perseverance. We can make the most of distance learning this fall by improving upon what we learned. Here are tips offered by local teachers, parents and school staff about how to make distance learning more successful moving forward. Open, Optimistic Communication
A harmonious home is key to an optimal schoolwork environment. To strengthen family communication, Donna Atherton, nurse at Lewis Middle School in Allied Gardens, highly recommends the evidencebased Strengthening Families Program. It is free to download and includes excellent tips and tools that teach important interpersonal skills such as assertive communication, optimism and achieving goals. Learn more at www.strengtheningfamiliesprogram.org. Atherton reminds parents to model positivity: • Stress kindness and exercise patience. • Communicate openly and honestly about emotions. • Reassure kids this [temporary phase] will pass. • Establish routines that provide structure. Set boundaries for the whole family when it comes to electronics. “Parents need to ensure they are having face-to-face conversations with their teenagers,” says Atherton. “Sit down together for dinner and don’t
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allow electronics to replace quality family time.”
Be Proactive with Mental Health It’s important to acknowledge that the pandemic is having negative effects on everyone’s mental health and self-care is a priority. • Get outside daily; enjoy nature as often as possible. • Make exercise a priority to release endorphins. • Get adequate sleep. • Engage in mindful activities such as a gratitude journal, prayer or meditation. • Boost mood with music. • Schedule family fun. • Find time to recharge, decompress and do something you love. According to Atherton, teens may have an especially hard time coping during quarantine. Be proactive to ward off mental health struggles and seek extra support from a pediatrician if there’s concern. San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) recommends visiting www.healthychildren.org/ English/health-issues/conditions/chestlungs/Pages/Signs-your-Teen-MayNeed-More-Support.aspx for tips and resources. SDCOE also recommends teens use apps such as: • Done – Create healthy habits and quit bad ones.
