Parents react to school closures

Psychologist weighs in on helping children manage extra break

While many area students were celebrating the news of an extended spring break, a lot of working parents with young children were scrambling to figure out their options.

“People at work were crying due to no childcare,” said Karolin Infante, who works for Lake County Job and Family Services.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on March 12 announced that all K-12 schools — public, private and charter — be closed from March 16 through at least April 3 while the novel coronavirus takes its course.

“We know this will impact families,” DeWine said. “We understand the sacrifice this will entail, but this is the right thing to do.”

Although it creates a predicament for some caregivers, there are those who back the governor’s move.

“It’s the right decision; look at Italy and Spain,” said Skye Golling of Concord Township. “But it does require sacrifice. Hopefully most employers are open to and capable of virtual work. I’m lucky to work for a company that does, and we are working through business continuity plans considering employee needs. (It) requires some problem-solving, trust and flexibility.”

Tracey Brown Montgomery of Painesville has three school-age children, but supports the extra time off as well.

“As a healthcare worker, I agree with trying to ‘flatten the curve’ and trying to contain the spread as much as possible,” she said. “It is inconvenient that we will have to try and find childcare, but for the greater good of the community, I’m OK with inconvenient.”

Ohioans are far from alone. Seattle resident John Persak recently set up a Facebook group for parents with children at home because of school closings. The group exploded to nearly 3,000 members.

“We’re getting about five requests a minute at this point,” he told the Associated Press.

Along with finding babysitters, a number of parents are wondering how to keep their kids engaged during extended time off.

Clinical psychologist Sherri McClurg of Chagrin Falls-based Family Center by the Falls weighed in on how to help children manage.

“Students being off school for a few weeks is not a bad thing in and of itself,” she said. “Kids experience winter, spring and summer breaks with little concern. The issue at hand is how will this ‘added’ break affect my child?

“We know kids do best with some type of structure and routine. Even a loose routine that follows a pattern affords some predictability. With the sudden onset of the break, routines and schedules are being disrupted. Disruptions and uncertainty can make us feel a little more vulnerable.”

She recommends that parents plan for a simple schedule each day and involve kids in the planning to give them a sense of control.

Things to consider when coming up with a routine include how long they can sleep in; what time will be set aside for potential school work, chores and free time; and scheduling some family activities.

“It’s also important if kids are going to be home alone that they know who to call if they need something and what is the plan for meals,” McClurg said. “Remember: Give your child or teen factual information and talk about any concerns, help them feel safe with a daily routine and ways to release tension while having fun, and empower them to have some control over the situation where they can.

“Be intentional and help your kids manage the break well. Enjoy the extra family time!”