No! No! Let’s consider the value of another approach!

Many of us, as parents, are feeling overwhelmed by the idea that we are now responsible for our child’s education. Being in the middle of a world crisis can add a lot of pressure to both parents and children with the idea that we need to continue a strict academic schedule at home. We can be setting everyone up for failure because parents can’t teach when stressed just like children can’t learn when stressed. So, if you are feeling stressed about teaching your child during shelter in place, let’s stop, take a breath and relax!

During this time we can be comforted in the fact that children learn through play. Research shows that play can be more important than elementary academics. In 2013, Peter Gray, a developmental psychologist, attests in his book “Free to Learn”, that play is the primary way that children learn to solve problems, get along with peers, and become emotionally resilient. There is a correlation between directed schooling, less play, and increased psychological disorders in children, meaning forced academics can lead to higher levels of psychological disorders.

Many of my therapist colleagues are reporting drastic improvements in their young clients that struggle with depression, ADHD, and social anxiety since the start of the shelter in place. Their young clients are able to breath, relax, and have the mental space to learn in their own ways. The children are reporting feeling better and parents are reporting better behaviors.

So, instead of adding pressure to ourselves and our children with this idea that parents need to homeschool their kids, let’s use this time to get back to play. Give your kids a break and let them learn through play in their own way. Play can also provide comfort and calming that they need right now as the world, and their world, goes through this major trauma. Play with them – this is more valuable than what academic lessons alone could teach them right now.

Ideas of how to engage with your child:

Arts & Crafts
Story telling
Board games
Sports
Coloring
Creating anything

Cooking
Imagery play (dress up, dancing)
Building (blocks, wood, forts, etc)
Reading
Scavenger hunt
Gardening
Cards
Nature walks