Tips for Parents

Learning from Home

Create a schedule and routine for learning at home, but remain flexible.

• Have consistent bedtimes and get up at the same time, Monday through Friday.
• Structure the day for learning, free time, healthy meals and snacks, and physical activity.
• Allow flexibility in the schedule—it’s okay to adapt based on your day.

Look for ways to make learning fun.

• Have hands-on activities, like puzzles, painting, drawing, and making things.
• Independent play can also be used in place of structured learning. Encourage children to build a fort from sheets or practice counting by stacking blocks.
• Practice handwriting and grammar by writing letters to family members. This is a great way to connect and limit face-to-face contact.
• Start a journal with your child to document this time and discuss the shared experience.
• Listen to audiobooks together

Take active breaks

• Encourage your child to play outdoors—it’s great for physical and mental health. Take a walk with your child or go on a bike ride.
• Use indoor activity breaks (e.g., stretch breaks, dance breaks) throughout the day to help your child stay healthy and focused.

Staying Connected

• Consider ways your child can stay connected with their friends without spending time in person.
• Schedule a virtual “hangout” with friends or loved ones using an online video system such as FaceTime or Google Hangout.
• Write a letter to a friend or family member. Writing has been shown to help people feel less sad or upset. Don’t forget to wash your hands after you get back from dropping the letter in the mailbox!
• Call a neighbor or friend to check-in on how they are doing. If you are healthy, offer to run an errand for an elderly or infirm neighbor. Helping others can help us feel connected and gives us a sense of purpose during this difficult time. Be mindful to wash your hands before and after the errand and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between you and the person you are helping. Even seemingly healthy people can transmit illnesses.
• Go for a walk and simply wave or greet others from a safe distance.
• Social media can help us maintain connections to others, especially family and friends who live far away. Too much exposure, however, can make anxiety or depression worse. Be mindful of how much time on social media helps you feel connected and less alone versus overwhelmed.