Interestingly, some teenagers have enjoyed remote learning while others have struggled. So why is this and how can parents help?
Teenagers who are very extroverted or who love seeing friends every day seem to have had a tougher time studying at home. They miss the action and they miss hanging out with friends. And teens who are really into studies have missed seeing teachers more than students who are a little more casual about their studies. Whatever the reason, parents can help to make this time a happier and more productive one.
My teen misses friends terribly…
Acknowledging that it is hard to be away from friends is important. Trivialising it won’t help your teenager or win you points with her. Even many adults miss work colleagues and have found working from home difficult. While studies are important, encourage your teen to use social media to keep strong connections with friends. This is one time when social media can be your friend!
My teen can’t cope without the structure school provides…
Insist that there is a structure and a timetable at home. Students will be in online classes most of the day. At other times, make sure there is some sort of routine. Have a set time for a morning break, for lunch, dinner, and a time when school is over! There should be time for your teenager to go for a walk, play the guitar or chat with friends after studies are completed. If there is no routine, it is easy for one hour to flow into the next and young people can become lost, bored and lose motivation. A routine really helps.
My teen is always tired…
Many people are feeling more tired than usual due to the constant shadow of Covid-19 talk. Try to have discussions about other issues and don’t watch too many TV programs on this topic.
Remote learning can be more tiring than attending school due to internet connection issues and being inside the house for so many hours without fresh air. At school, students walk from one class to another and have recess and lunch breaks with friends. Insist that your teenager has breaks away from study. A walk outside can clear away stresses and restore a sense of normality.
And despite studying from home, going to bed at a reasonable time should continue. A good sleep is always very important for young people. A healthy diet is important too.
My teen finds it hard to settle into study…
If your teen has not had a quiet study space, this is the time to set one up. If possible, keep it away from the areas of the house where the family relaxes. It is important for teenagers to be able to switch off and have some time out from study.
I think my teenager misses the teachers…
Find the opportunity to say that you have heard that teachers miss students! Suggest that your teenager emails a teacher if she has questions about the work or would like some extension work. Teachers really like to hear from keen students who are happy to complete extra work or who have questions about an issue or topic being covered. Having the confidence to reach out can make a huge difference to a teenager who is feeling a little lost.
I am worried she is sliding into depression…
Every school has welfare staff and counsellors. Contact these people and express your concerns. Ask whether someone can contact your teenager to casually ask how things are going. If you have the kind of relationship with your teen where you can openly talk about all of this, encourage her to email the teacher or counsellor she knows the best at school. Asking for help takes courage and strength. Tell your teenager this. Make it clear that many people feel just like her in these strange times. Even teachers. A chat with the right teacher can be all that is needed.
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