A routine decreases our stress and calms nerves
We take back some control
Setting daily goals
Why certain activities need to done by a certain time (have a complete by time)
Consider keeping regular bedtimes and morning routines, sitting down for lunch at the same time, and writing out a daily schedule so that the family knows the plan for the day. Keeping these small things consistent can help our kids to feel regulated, calm and make a potentially scary situation feel much more predictable.
This allows you and your child(ren) to know what to expect throughout the day. (Sample here)
Include designated time for work/chores/self-help activities as well as movement or play breaks.
Provide choices of the work/activities that can be completed during designated work times, and choices of activities or items that can be accessed only during the free/play times.
Establish a designated work area. Prepare the area designated for work with the appropriate supplies ready for the activity.
Work together as a family to determine the rules that work for your home. Use language that tells us what to do, not what NOT to do (For example: Instead of a rule stating “No talking back”, say “Use respectful language”)
Examples of expectations may include:
Be respectful (speak to each other in a respectful manner; follow instructions when asked)
Be responsible (finish the daily tasks that are required such as the morning routine to get ready, or finishing schoolwork)
Be safe (Use walking feet in the house; ask an adult for help with dangerous household items)
Catch your child being good! We all love to hear what we are doing well, so focus on the behaviors that we WANT to see more than focusing on the difficult/undesirable behaviors.
Relate your positive verbal praise to your household expectations when you can.
Statements such as “I like how you are waiting so patiently. That is very respectful”; “Thank you for using your walking feet”; “Thank you for taking out the trash without anyone asking.”
Avoid using threats (such as “You better finish your work, or you’re going to lose your free time.”) Instead, identify incentives such as “Remember, as soon as you are done with this homework assignment, you can have a 15 minute break to play outside.”)
Instead of repeating what the child is not supposed to do, explain what they are expected to do. (Example: Instead of “Stop running around the house!”, say “Please have a seat and finish your lunch, then we can have a break.
We are all more likely to complete a task/activity when we are motivated by something we want. To increase motivation and sustain effort, identify 3-5 preferred items/activities of each family member and set goals to earn them!
Provide reinforcement, incentives, or verbal reinforcement for completion of task/appropriate behavior (breaks, activities, etc.)
Elementary examples: 30 minutes of school work earns 10 minutes of playtime; completion of one worksheet/assignment earns preferred snack; complete 1 chore to earn playing a board game with a family member
Secondary Examples: Completion of X number chores per day earns access to an hour of screen time or a preferred activity; Completion of school work each day earns choosing the dinner of his/her choice.
Get creative!
For behaviors that require more consistent attention/ reinforcement, use a Daily Behavior Tracking form (See example here or here)
For example: “5 more minutes, then time for math practice… 3 more minutes, then time for math practice… 1 more minute, then time for math practice, please start making your way to the table…”
“First finish your worksheet, then you can have an iPad break.”
No longer focused
Looking tired
Yelling/ Upset
Saying I don't get this
Attempts to get out of work
Crying
Common Sense Media: 25 best podcasts for kids and the 10 Must-Listen Podcasts for Tweens and Teens.
There are child-friendly yoga poses and workouts on this YouTube kids app.
The Washington Post’s guide to “Parenting During Coronavirus” is chock-a-block with ideas, from lists of good documentaries kids can watch to great ideas from readers, like creating a movie with their iMovie app, stocking up on ingredients to let kids cook and bake, listening to audio books, and having sports competitions with siblings only, as well as tips to working at home.
Commonsensemedia.org is also a great resource for finding age appropriate options.