Learning From Home – Parent Perspectives

As we approach the fourth week of distance learning at the College and Victoria’s lockdown continues, the quiet, dedicated and unwavering work of our parents and guardians goes on.

This week, we asked parents to reflect on what distance learning looked like in their homes and the impact of the pandemic on the current generation of CRC Melton students.

One of the biggest challenges parents noted was the inability to help their children when they had difficulties with classwork.

“There was subject content that neither I or my husband could assist my daughter with. We encouraged her to make contact with classroom teachers and raise any concerns she had with the work or workload,” one parent wrote.

Juggling the demands of school and work is another hurdle.

“This mode of learning is definitely new to our household. There is no doubt that it has posed challenges to us as parents and to our learners. My children are in Year 12, 7 and 4. It can get very busy and hectic trying to manage full-time work and home schooling.”

And for others it’s the simple act of getting their child out of bed.

“Waking (my daughter) up and getting her out of bed before recess. First period is done under the doona.”

One parent also noted the swing between motivation and procrastination and eating normally and eating everything in sight.

Ways to get through the day

So what are parents and guardians doing to keep their children motivated, engaged and getting the most out of their online classes?

“We listen to our daughter when she tells us how she feels and what is happening in her classes. We also check in with her during her scheduled break times and support her (extra-curricular activities) such as vocal lessons and the Winter Sleepout. We also vary what she has each day for lunch and snacks,” a parent said.

Another parent encouraged her child to make a list and do the things she liked least, first.

A regular routine, being actively involved in family life and taking regular screen breaks was another approach.

“I try my utmost to supervise and guide them. I like to maintain school routine as much as possible including going to bed on time. I ask them to prepare their “work stations” even if it as simple as ensuring their devices are fully charged and laying out their pencil cases and diaries. I also get them involved in planning the meals for the next day. In the morning they have their breakfast and get (dressed) - this is important as they feel energised and ready for the start of the day.”

“I find that every so often I need to remind them to take breaks. Sometimes there is a tendency for them to keep working. It can be challenging to end the use of their devices when school has finished. This is when I introduce an outdoor activity.”

There have been some upsides to lockdowns for our families. Parents have described movie nights, walks, unlimited time to play board games and plenty of great food as family rituals that they all look forward to.

Pandemic memories

When asked what their children would remember about living through a pandemic, parents felt it was the disappointment of cancelled events.

“Unfortunately, they will remember what they missed out on. For our daughter it will most certainly be school activities, namely the school production, premier league and other sporting competitions. She also missed two consecutive birthday (celebrations) due to lockdown. She has missed her friends and social interaction. On the other hand, she has learned that she can accomplish things and be successful without relying on others,” one parent said.

“Boredom, isolation and ice cream,” another wrote.

Interestingly, one parent’s work has been a wake up call for their child.

“I have been helping a client get visas for family in Kabul. I asked my daughter for help and this affected her. She has been more talkative, actually cleaned her room and has asked for help with her school work, which she never does. Possibly made her realise how lucky she is.”

Tried and tested

There is no doubt parents and guardians have learned as much as their children about how to cope during distance learning and what works for their family. 

“It’s important to maintain a routine and provide quiet study space. It is also important to acknowledge the challenges and provide little ‘rewards’ to your child.”

“It may be an idea to slightly lower our expectations for our children as it is not easy for them to learn without the physical presence of their teachers and peers. Be more patient and ask how they are going,” another parent offered.

One parent had these tips:

• Accept that they are going to have unproductive days.
• Try and have a routine on school days and change it up on the weekend.
• Don’t nag – it helps no one.
• Encourage online socialisation with friends. Give them some popcorn and a drink and get them to make a group call.
• Quiet does not mean your child is doing nothing.
• Most importantly, don’t stress the small stuff. Let it go.

Seek help when you need it

Our parents also recognise that there are times to reach out for help.

“There are plenty of resources for parents that you can obtain online. We need to maintain our emotional and mental state as much as our children,” one parent said.

“Ultimately, be kind to yourself and your child(ren). It is important to eat and drink well and to maintain social contact with others,” another said.

“I’d also encourage parents to seek the assistance and guidance of CRC Melton staff. They have always been available and responded to our daughter.”