HELP KIDS TO ENJOY ONLINE SOCIALISING
Some children feel too self-conscious to join in with Zoom classes and online socials, while others are easily bored. As it’s vital they stay connected, Emma says we need to encourage them
For the first time, many of us have found ourselves actively encouraging our kids to go online with lots of schools using remote lessons. While some may thrive, for others the transition can be challenging, so first reassure them that being shy on online platforms is normal.
EASE LESSON FEARS
Seeing a teacher’s face beamed into your home may feel unnerving, and interactions can feel awkward, which makes kids feel less willing to ask questions or worry they may be put on the spot. Ideally, sit with them for a couple of lessons, just out of shot, so that they feel supported, but other kids aren’t intimidated by seeing you. If they are very stressed, email the teacher to ask if they can mute their sound at certain points. After the lesson ends, suggest they also email about any areas they struggled with. It is possible to record on Zoom and Teams, so they can watch lessons again, if the teacher allows it, too. Let teens decide where they sit, so they can choose the background.
SUGGEST TOPICS
Some children can find face-toface calls daunting. A helpful tip is for you to video call them when they are working in another room. FaceTime to ask what they fancy for lunch and have a quick catch-up. They won’t feel intimidated by you and will get used to the experience. Also suggest they arrange a video call with school pals to help them become more confident in the classroom. If they worry they’ll run out of things to say, encourage them to write down some subjects to discuss. You may find that encouraging them to video call their relatives is tricky. Kids aren’t selfish, but they often think about their own feelings before those of others, and video-chatting with Nan won’t be their top priority.
MAKE IT INTERACTIVE
Explain how lonely it can be for people who don’t have the hustle and bustle of family life around them, and explain that just listening to someone can be enough to make them feel loved. To keep little ones interested, play games with grandparents like I Spy, or try an indoor scavenger hunt.