KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Parents in Kansas and Missouri are taking on the new role of being a teacher since most schools have switched to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Yeah, there is this sense of freaking out, and what is this going to look like," said Tonya Blythe, when talking about every parent having to teach their children.
Blythe, though, has been homeschooling for six years. She is used to teaching just three of her children, but now she is teaching all six.
She has these three tips for parents who might be overwhelmed.
Her first tip, "Giving yourself grace, giving your kids grace knowing we all trying to figure this out as we go."
The second tip is about adjusting to this new day to day routine.
"Know your family," she said. "If your kids thrive on that routine and stuff like that, prioritize that morning routine, bed times, try to keep those parts of your days consistent as you can."
Lastly, Blythe said to make time for play and down time.
"Some of our kids are really struggling understand what is going on around them," Blythe said. "I think the more time that they [have] to play and process through that on their own, then that keeps their minds fresh for when they do have to sit down and learn."
But there is one mistake she said she has already seen parents make.
"I would caution people to not try and recreate their school day at home," Blythe said. "Your home is obviously very different than a classroom."
There is, however, a light at the end of the tunnel for parents, according to Blythe.
"I am freaking out too," she said. "I would just say to keep your chin up and kind of just do the best that you can."
Blythe has more tips for parents:
- This is going to be hard, so stay positive when you can.
- Make a schedule. Allow rest periods and fun activities to do. But, don't try to recreate your child's actual school day.
- Consider doing one block of the day with no technology. Go outside and have some fun!
For more tips on homeschooling, visit Blythe's blog.
