Home Schooling, Learning at Home and Avoiding Screen Overload

When is screen time Too Much Screen time?

This was a topic that we discussed on the April 29 PrepOnline webinar. Charmaine Hammond and Joanna Severino hosted the conversation about mental health and helping parents maximize their children’s learning potential. Many parents are concerned about how the current situation is impacting their children’s well being and future education.

The webinar guests included Dr. Ganz Ferrance and Michelle Dowling. Registered Psychologist, Dr. Ganz Ferrance, is a Speaker, Author, and Coach. Since the early ‘90’s he’s been helping individuals, couples, families, and corporations beat BURNOUT, reduce their levels of stress, improve their relationships, and enjoy more success. Michelle Dowling is with Jack.org and is the Project Manager for Be There, an engaging web-based resource that illuminates how we can be there for our loved ones when they struggle with their mental health.

Dr. Ganz talked about some of the challenges and struggle that accompany moving learning from the classroom to the home. When this occurred in mid-March, many families were not equipped the technology they needed which added to the level of anxiety and family stress.

“Persistence and resilience only come from having been given the chance to work through difficult problems.” ― Gever Tulley

It’s important to remember that nowadays learn by being in front of the screen, classrooms are using technology support curriculum. But, there’s no denying it, families are spending more time in front of the screen now than they were six weeks ago. And, family stresses are higher now- families are spending much more time together than usual, and parents are working from home while their children are schooling from home.

Here are some tips from Michelle and Ganz around keeping an eye on screen time, and ensuring time for family activities that don’t involve technology:

Take some time to unplug and encourage your children to do the same. Replace that time with family activities (such as board games, a family conversation or individual quiet time to relax).
Take breaks to stretch and move so that you are not sitting so long rope course of the day.
Engage in conversations about what everyone is learning through technology.
Recognize that people are functioning at least 25% less capacity because of the times that we were living in an navigating through right now. It’s important to cut yourself slack.
Recognize that right now the rules for “normal times” may not fully apply.
Recognize that right now technology is part of our relationships, communication, and connections with people. For our children in a time of physical distancing, it is the safest way for them to communicate and socialize with their friends.
Self-care also involve listening to your body. Pay attention to the signals include your body gives to indicate you need a break, or time away from the screen.
Ensure that you build time to be outside, get some fresh air, and enjoy the sun.

These are a few of the many tips shared about managing screen time and building resilience during these uncertain times. Check out the recording to the conversation here https://learn.prepskills.com/index.php/april-29/ the week of May 4 is Mental Health Week, a great week to implement some new family resilience activities!

“Resilience is based on compassion for ourselves as well as compassion for others.”
― Sharon Salzberg

To sign up for the webinar series, visit https://learn.prepskills.com – you will see the full schedule of topics and guest experts. Even if you can’t join us live, we suggest registering so that you can receive the video recording later by email.