Parenting Pointers: Parenting Survival Tips

Due to the risk of COVID-19, the government made a transformative, yet necessary decision to close schools across the country and switch to distance learning.  Parents across the country are now faced with the sudden challenge of keeping their children occupied at home. According to educational thought-leader Carew Papritz, during this time of uncertainty and stress, it's crucial for parents to convey confidence and be prepared.

"Although there's no category for this virus inside our own experience, parents need to be accountable to make this transition easy to ensure the continued education and family structure for their children," says Papritz.  Papritz is the father of an elementary-aged son and like millions of parents across the country, he is now faced with the sudden challenge of keeping his child occupied and educated at home.  Papritz is encouraging other parents to support their children's emotional well-being while providing the following tips: 1. Maintain Structure & Normalcy: Implement procedures that maintain the normalcy of operations as much as possible, keeping a structured routine throughout the day. This is probably the most important to keep your kids on track and ensure your sanity. Set aside specific times for activities - reading time, watching educational videos, playing educational games, and lessons that teachers have provided. But not all of this structure has to revolve around classroom education. Take time to teach your kids how to eat healthily and make their lunch, build something, paint pictures, go for a hike/walk, or practice an instrument if available. Take advantage of opportunities that you normally would not have time for and cherish these teachable moments.  2. Eliminate Hysteria & Hype: Fear and panic are detrimental distractions, especially in the minds of young children who are the most vulnerable with ever-evolving brains. A parent’s anxiety fuels or otherwise reinforces his or her kid’s own fears, yet this state of hysteria surrounding Coronavirus can be damaging towards a child's education, experiences, and purpose. Children should be educated and up to date on the current situation but monitor the intake of information and make sure it comes from trusted factual sources.  3. Use Educational Resources Beyond What the School Provides: From websites like Outschool, YouTube, and Audible, you can find various informative activities, videos and e-books to keep your kiddos occupied and engaged.  Carew Papritz is an educational thought-leader, literacy advocate, and author of the multi-award-winning book The Legacy Letters. Through his YouTube videos (including the I Love to Read series) and events (like the annual literacy-driven charity drive The Great Book Balloon Launch), he spreads the love of reading and learning to people of all ages.  Papritz's writing has been published in a number of educational and parenting magazines including Huffpost, Reader's Digest & First Time Parent Magazine.