Filipino Families in the New Normal

The author is Teacher III at Pampanga High School Dr. Nora E. Culang

Families are dealing with extremely difficult situations that have threatened their basic need for safety and security. However, the pandemic can allow our resilience to shine through and show our children how to make the best of even the worst situations. There is no doubt that COVID-19 will have long-term mental health implications. But forcing families to spend time together during stay-at-home, workat-home and virtual learning may have positive family impact.

While we are not always in control of our circumstances, we are in control of our attitude. Within this pandemic, I have seen a lot of families dealing with stressful situations. Some, both parents/ guardians are working in the office (even Work from Home), in a job order such as in construction site, a small business or even household chores for whole day, etc. And after an exhausted whole day, here they are- the modules of their children who need his/her or both need their assistance in their lesson, try to explain and answer the different activities and questions in the modules as well as in the Summative Test and Performance Task of all subjects weekly. Another, how about the parent with plenty kids. Some, they have 2- 3 kids in Elementary with 2 High School or in Junior/ Senior High. You may consider the availability of gadgets like Android Cellphone, Desktop/Laptop computer with Internet connection. Some parents/ guardians try to have a so called “Time management, Study Room setting and a Motivational approach”. Before anything else, the setting of Study room is very important. It should have a good ambiance, well ventilated with lighting, table and chairs to provide a conducive room for learning. Next, “Time management” were in the parents will wake up early in the morning. Prepare the necessary household chores so that when the kids awaken, all are already prepared and ready for the whole day “New Normal” setting. Set an agreement to do their assignment first, the easiest activities and questions so that in the evening or weekend may finalize the answers to all activities in modules. May set a Motivational approach to kids, that finished all the assignments and maintain high grades followed by granting simple request such as: allowing movie viewing, buy some toys or requested nutritious food. But the good thing is, the parent/ guardian were have fun and quality time with kids other than before.

Teachers were also there to assist, cater or answer/s some inquiry or questions regarding modules and related issues and concern in education. Different multimedia were used such as Cellphone, Group Chat (GC), messenger, chat, call/ video call even at the middle of the night or weekend to have harmonious relationship to our stakeholders. Let’s work hand and hand for the welfare of our learners until we surpass the pandemic and go back to a “New Normal Face to Face classes.”

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The author is Master Teacher I at Collat Integrated School, Masinloc, Zambales