ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A Winter Park-area psychologist says she’s hearing from parents and kids daily about the high levels of stress they’re experiencing as virtual learning resumes.
Dr. Deborah Day of Psychological Affiliates, Inc. says times of uncertainty can create added anxiety for both parents and kids.
“You can have acute anxiety. Can I get on the zoom today? And then chronic anxiety. What are my grades going to look like,” Dr. Day explains.
Dr. Day says consistency and structure are key for countering that uncertainty.
“Try to have a separate workspace for the children and yourself if you’re working from home,” she says.
Dr. Day also has advice on how to handle technical failures: ignore them.
READ: Orange County sees district-wide system issues on first day of virtual learning
“You say we got a day off, and we’ll start again tomorrow. You try to re frame it in a positive light and keep going,” Dr. Day says.
Dr. Day adds parents who have the option should consider asking their older kids to help the younger ones. It serves as a life lesson for them and can allow parents to work more seamlessly.
Cox Media Group
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