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Tips for Helping School-Aged Children Succeed in Online Learning
Set the Stage
Find a good spot for your child to work.
This spot should have minimal distractions and be located where a parent can be near enough to support and redirect.
If you're unable to be present in the same room as your child, check in periodically in an unobtrusive manner.
Avoid rooms with lots of toys or games that may tempt your child.
Discuss with your child the importance of not opening another window/browser during class. (just as your child would not consider doing a different task during the middle of a lesson if they are in the classroom)
Acknowledge that distance learning is VERY difficult.
Create reasonable expectations and positive rewards.
Now is NOT the time for perfectionism or focusing too much on mastering a challenging subject.
Have your child focus on getting better at specific tasks such as:
Being on time
Managing technology
Asking for help when needed
Managing distractions
Ask your child: “What do you want to be better at by the end of this month?”
Having a reward ready at the end of each school day can help your child develop confidence from small successes. These rewards can be:
A walk together
A board game
An after-school treat
Build-in Breaks from the Screen
If not already built in, request regular 10-15-minute breaks from your child’s teacher
During this break, your child can
Have a snack
Go to the bathroom
Get their wiggles out
Make physical activity part of your child’s day
Activity is a way of getting their wiggles out, taking a mental break, and re-centering.
Consider doing a workout together for 15-20 minutes before the start of school, during breaks, and after school.
Create Routines Around the School Day
Establish a consistent wake-up time with a routine to get “ready” for the day (ex. washing, face, brushing teeth, getting dressed)
Aim for a healthy breakfast, even if small
Take advantage of the extra time that no commute to school allows. Extra time can allow
Time to sleep in - (later wake-up time),
Time to cook a hot breakfast together,
Time to engage in a beloved activity such as listening to music, reading a comic book, working on a craft (but NOT screen time)
Promote Good Sleep Habits
Adequate, restful sleep is essential to your child’s physical and mental health!
Establish a consistent bedtime of 8-10 hrs per night
For school nights, Sunday through Thursday, and Weekends: Friday and Saturday
Turn off all screens at least 1 hour before bedtime.
During the hour before bed, consider the following:
Take a warm bath/shower
Quiet reading (NOT homework)
Listening to music to help unwind
Know Your Child
Children must have a non-academic outlet. This outlet helps them feel successful and gain confidence.
Cultivate your child’s strengths (eg, art, sports).
Try to connect to virtual lessons with a live teacher, YouTube lessons, etc to continue to nurture that interest/strength.
If your child is missing their teacher (even from the previous year), spend time connecting with that teacher by writing letters, emails, or connecting virtually.
Please reach out to your doctor if you have concerns regarding your child’s mood and anxiety, as these difficult, unpredictable times can affect your child’s mental health.
Reviewed by PL, MD, SC MD, 2/2026