Families can support kids’ mental health whether they’re learning remotely or at school – here’s how

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Families Can Support Kids’ Mental Health Whether They’re Learning Remotely or at School – Here’s How

The choice between in-person learning and remote learning is a fraught one for parents. Children experience joy and connection when they learn alongside other kids, but they risk being exposed to the coronavirus. Remote learning at home can protect kids from COVID-19, but does it set back their social-emotional development?

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Connecting Mind and Body: ‘What I Need’

Mental health and physical health are inextricably linked. Physical activity, good nutrition, and sleep are all crucial for both. Children need clear bedtime routines and a consistent schedule – especially during times of unease like now. Children need to go to bed at a similar time each evening and wake up at a similar time each morning.

Developing Identity: ‘Who I Am’

Children of all ages incorporate information from both family members and peers into their sense of identity. School exposes students to others with similar and different viewpoints or backgrounds and lets them confront social rules. Research with home-schooled children shows that interacting with other home-schooled kids is good for their mental health. Peer relationships, especially in adolescence, are related to self-esteem.

Regulating Emotions: ‘How I Feel’

Skills that allow children to understand their emotions and make choices about how they respond to them are crucial building blocks of good mental health. Families can practice regulating emotions with their children, supporting strategies to understand and manage frustration, anger, and sadness when those feelings become unmanageable.

Recognizing Interdependence: ‘Who We Are’

A big piece of good mental health is being able to see yourself as a part of a whole. The parent-child relationship is the context in which children learn to view themselves as interdependent – a person who is connected to previous generations and present networks.

Challenges Abound, but the Tools Are Consistent

Kids who were vulnerable before the pandemic remain vulnerable. But mental health risk factors are largely the same for children whether in school or learning from home.

Conclusion

Good mental health is the ability to adapt. The strategies in this toolkit can help children adapt and cope with stress, whether due to the pandemic, economic inequities, racism, unaddressed special needs, or interpersonal problems within a family. Some children need to be in school, but all children can benefit from strong family relationships and consistent schedules.

FAQs

Q: Is remote learning bad for kids’ social-emotional development?
A: No, remote learning can be beneficial for kids’ social-emotional development if families prioritize building relationships and providing structure.

Q: What are some effective strategies for regulating emotions in children?
A: Children can benefit from creative outlets, such as art or music, and from regular check-ins with parents to discuss their feelings.

Q: How can parents prioritize their own mental health to support their children?
A: Parents can prioritize their own mental health by engaging in self-care activities, such as exercise or mindfulness, and seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals.

Q: What are some effective ways to build resilience in children?
A: Building resilience in children involves teaching them coping skills, providing emotional support, and fostering a sense of connection to others.