Some Quick Tips for Parents

CHADD Staff

School districts across the country are closing down for the next few weeks. Your child’s school may be able to offer online learning; possibly the teachers have sent home assignments to be completed while schools are closed. Educational websites are rallying to provide free support, and we’ll share about those here as we learn more.

If you’re wondering how to deal with an uncertain number of days at home, here are a few tips to help you get started.

1. Maintain structure and routines.

Don’t let go of having a daily routine. Just because you don’t have the schedule of a school day doesn’t mean that you have to let routines slip away.

2. Create a daily plan.

Include when you expect your children to be ready for the day, and a plan for morning and afternoon activities. Plan opportunities to spend time together as a family along with some alone time.

3. Design a calendar or chart that shows the daily schedule.

Post it where your children can easily check it to know what is coming up.

4. Choose one big activity and one small activity for each day of the week.

Unplug—go device-free when you can.

5. Make a box of activity ideas.

Spend time together to brainstorm different ideas to add to the idea box, and write them down. Some suggestions include:

• Crafts, such as scrapbooking, collecting, etc.
• Neighborhood nature walks
• Reading aloud
• Art projects
• Bike rides
• Outdoor science experiments
• Charades and skits
• Board or card games
• Interactive computer or video games
• Develop a treasure hunt