How can grandparents help out during these troubled times? Whether you live nearby and are included in the “inner circle” of people allowed to visit, or at a distance visiting by Skype or Face Time, help is always welcomed.
Children are being home schooled these days whether they want to be or not, and from what I hear, chaos ensues. Parents, especially those working from home, are learning that teaching is hard work.
This is one place where grandparents can offer to step in as “substitute tutors.” Yes, even if you weren’t a teacher you have your own special talents, interests and skills to bring to the table, or to the screen if you live far away.
You can become an integral part of the home-schooling experience as you share your gifts, your time, and your love. Focus on things that you know; skills such as homemaking, knitting, hiking and reading. Most kids remember fondly the day a grown-up took them to the park to collect and study leaves. Walks were great, but the really fun part was taking your treasures home and preserving them between two pieces of wax paper. Botany at its finest.
Bring or send books and other educational care package. Discuss them when you visit even if via Skype or FaceTime. If you aren’t computer literate, now would be a very good time to start. Your grandchildren can help you.
Older people are not obsolete and can still contribute in meaningful ways.
• Communicate frequently
• Take an interest in their activities
• Be a good influence, even if all you can teach is why handwashing and wearing a mask are important
• Praise good manners and good behavior
• Make every moment together a teachable moment.
Refresh your memory about what children are like at various stages of development, and don’t criticize modern child rearing techniques, now is not the time.
Supervise and discuss on-line classes. Kids aren’t going to voluntarily sit down in front of a computer to study on their own; hence the need for tutors.
Homeschooling whether temporary or long term is a time for the entire family to come together.
Leave a Reply