My 6 tips for parents sending kids back to school remotely:

1. Find a good spot at home where each kid can work. Even if it is different sides of a room. If doing synchronous learning try to give as much of their own space as possible with a good background (ie: wall) where nobody is walking behind them. Earbuds are a helpful tool as well

2. Help them write out a schedule for the week and know how they are going to class. Make sure they know their teacher(s) name(s).

3. Read the emails from teachers with them. Make sure you know how to get in contact with teachers and for older students when their office hours are.

4. Don’t go to class with your kid (unless asked or invited). You wouldn’t if school was in-person. Give them their space to be a student and make mistakes. That is where the learning happens.

5. Be patient with everyone - this will be new and different for all of us. However, if your kid is struggling encourage your older kids to privately let the teacher know. For the little kids you should reach out with concerns. Be a partner with the teacher.

6. Check in with your kid each day. Ask:
- one specific thing you enjoyed or learned
- one area you struggled or didn’t like the experience
- what are you looking forward to tomorrow
“Nothing” is not an acceptable answer - get an answer for each of the 3 throughout the week.

Hang in there mom, dad, other caregivers, and families - it will be ok. We are all doing this together.