Methodist Healthcare - August 10, 2020

It’s that time of year where the summer vacation is winding down and kids are going back to school. Here in San Antonio, public schools will not be opening up for students to re-enter, and kids will continue to learn from home virtually.

Being home from school may feel like a break to your kids, but it’s important to remind them that they’re not on vacation. They will need to continue their studies, and be prepared for school once the pandemic has passed. Parents have been living in this new world, with kids learning at home for a while now, but that doesn’t mean there still aren’t some pain points.

We have put together some tips to help parents get their kids organized, and set up for success when they go back to school this year.

  1. Plan a schedule and keep a routine. Having a routine will help both you and your child adjust over time. Having structure and setting rules will help alleviate stress.
  2. Only focus on schoolwork during “school hours” no playing video games or watching movies/tv.
  3. Create a calm, quiet, and comfortable space dedicated to learning, if possible separate from where they normally play.
  4. Make sure your kid gets plenty of breaks so they can be active and away from the computer screen. Go for walks or a bike ride if you can.
  5. Encourage your child to spend time with their friends virtually. It’s important to have face time with friends and family, encourage your kiddos to video chat with friends and take the time to spend face to face time with them yourself.
  6. Most importantly don’t forget to have fun. This can be a challenging time for both parents and children, but it can also be an opportunity to spend quality time. Take some time to get away from your house together, maybe going for a walk at a park where you can safely socially distance.

It’s important to remember you’re not in this alone. Other parents are going through a similar situation and may have pointers or tips for you as well. You can also reach out to your child’s school for additional information or resources to help you teach your kids at home during this time.

When the schools are ready to re-open, and activities resume, remember our CareNow Urgent Care facilities are here for students and offer immunizations and $20 sports physicals at all locations.