As we continue in some version of a shelter-in-place, teaching children to occupy themselves not only helps parents who are working from home but children also benefit from learning how to entertain and educate themselves.https://www.npr.org/…/kids-know-how-to-occupy-themselves-we…American parents often feel like event planners for their kids. There’s a pressure to make sure kids are entertained and content …

Empathizing with their feelings, making space for relief, allowing time for connecting socially through digital media, be considerate of requests for alone time, and engaging their help in problem-solving family needs can go a long way in helping teens during the shelter in place. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/well/family/coronavirus-covid-teenagers-teens-parents-kids-family-advice.html?fbclid=IwAR3nxAfdVGJQcaGRzqL2qGrszct2eLR1DuzyiarLVm8hL0FELrZ6ZAnWD2s

Their points include: start with fun, build a routine, trust the teachers, when stumped turn it over to the teachers, take frequent 10 minute walks (without a phone), both parents take responsibility for student learning, remember to wait for answers, stifle your own perfectionism, reinforce positively, and keep it low-key. https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/55621/how-parents-can-help-their-kids-while-managing-distance-learning?fbclid=IwAR19fvv4dHTu32CzblyXKScmONNiPAyY16QmVuXVKBPIm9O1mDPbT-e5wW0