We’re a few months into this school year and I think we are all feeling some burnout with remote learning at this phase. How do you motivate your kids (or yourself for that matter…) during this time? Finding what motivates our girls is a constant struggle. Just when we figure out something that works, it changes. Last week, the motivation to complete school work each day was roasted seaweed. And for the kid really struggling to do her daily work, a favorite candy bar was staring at her all week to motivate her (spoiler alert: it worked!). Basically, I look for the things they get really excited about and then make that something they have to earn by doing the things they’re not so excited about. But we always have to keep it fresh which can be a challenge.

There are some perks to distance learning, like sometimes my kids wear the same outfit for three days in a row because they’ve concluded turning pants and shirts inside out equals “clean”. I mean, it does create slightly less laundry… I’m picking my battles over here, please don’t judge. Sometimes I find myself feeling anxious about how this is affecting my girls, especially socially. Thankfully they have each other to keep entertained while our interaction with the outside world is basically nil.

This is a lot for all of us to navigate. I was grateful for the advice from this article for parents to “…check in often with their children, listen closely and set routines. She also advises parents to take care of themselves.” YES. All good reminders for dealing with anxiety in kids. Also, I’m an advocate for finding a good therapist. At our house we know the value of therapy and I believe reaching out for help is a sign of strength. Some things are just bigger than us and our skillsets and that’s ok.

PS, more on anxiety in kids here, and this workbook on anxiety for kids my mom just sent me. (Thanks mom!!)