Editor’s Note: Every Tuesday, Abby Freireich and Brian Platzer address readers’ inquiries concerning their children’s education. If you have a question, feel free to email them at [email protected].
Dear Abby and Brian,
The negative aspects of the past year are obvious, but I have also been contemplating the potential silver linings, especially for school-age kids. Will this generation exhibit greater flexibility, adaptability, and resilience in the future? Will more of them become self-starters as a result of what they have experienced?
I am eager to hear your insights on any positive outcomes that may arise from the isolation and losses of this period.
King Prather
Cary, N.C.
Dear King,
This year has been challenging for everyone, including children. Many are grieving over the loss of loved ones, and nearly all have experienced significant disruptions in their academic and social lives. A considerable number, particularly teenagers, are grappling with depression and anxiety. However, as you ponder, it is possible that some children will discover that this period has ultimately made them more appreciative of basic human interactions that were once taken for granted. While it remains uncertain whether the pandemic will cultivate greater resilience and flexibility in children, each child’s response to this difficult time will vary greatly. Nonetheless, it is the responsibility of teachers and parents to support children in finding gratitude and opportunities in the path that lies ahead.
One gift that arises from hardship is perspective. Losing a soccer game before the pandemic may have resulted in a bad day, but during quarantine, it meant not seeing loved ones for over a year. Reconnecting with what they have missed could instill in children a deeper appreciation for what truly matters in the long run: good health, access to education, and the company of friends and family.
The same principle applies to schooling. Many children who used to complain about going to school may now find it to be a welcome relief from staring at a computer screen all day. As COVID-19 restrictions ease, children will benefit from parental enforcement of new limits on screen time. Encourage your children to put away their tablets, close their laptops, and immerse themselves in the real world. As summer approaches, emphasize this new normal by organizing more outdoor, in-person gatherings with friends, whether through organized sports leagues or casual meetups. Encourage your children to engage in outdoor play whenever possible. These face-to-face social interactions will provide a welcome break from the isolation and constraints of spending excessive time online.
Teachers and parents can also glean lessons from this year. Schools have had to transform the way students are educated, leading to the opportunity for teachers to experiment with more flexible models of teaching, learning, and community-building. Additionally, the close collaboration between teachers and parents over the past year and a half has allowed parents to gain insight not only into the curriculum but also into their children’s academic and social strengths and challenges. By continuing this collaborative approach, parents and teachers can support their children’s growth in new and meaningful ways.
Of course, this does not mean that challenges will disappear from here on out. Children will inevitably face obstacles in managing the losses and changes brought about by the past year, and it is crucial for parents and teachers to give them space and the opportunity to express their emotions. Emphasize the joy that can be found in activities and interactions that were once taken for granted. Encourage children to write about or discuss their experiences during the past year. Parents can use these reflections as an opportunity to help their children be proactive, now that they can finally engage in the activities they missed the most—whether it’s playing with friends, hugging grandparents, or simply attending school in person. Perhaps the greatest silver lining is that children can now recognize the extraordinary nature of every ordinary day.
By submitting a letter, you are granting The Atlantic permission to use it—partially or in its entirety—and we may edit it for length and clarity.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
