Online “Learning” & Parenting During a F#%king Pandemic
Sep 14, 2020
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Shira Karpel and Shayna Gaunt, BCBAs and parents, discuss the challenges of parenting during the pandemic, including online learning and social interactions. They emphasize the importance of compassion for BCBA parents and offer behavioral principles to make this time semi-okay.
Priming and setting expectations are important in preparing children for new social behaviors during a pandemic.
Creating schedules, using visuals, and incorporating pre-macked principles can help in homeschooling and online learning.
Balancing work and parenting during a pandemic requires rearranging schedules, prioritizing tasks, and effectively communicating with employers or colleagues.
Deep dives
Tips for Parenting During a Pandemic
Parenting during a pandemic can be challenging, but there are strategies that can help. Priming and setting expectations are important to prepare children for new social behaviors. Modeling and imitation can also be effective in teaching children new ways of behavior. It's crucial for parents to remain calm and provide reassurance to their children, even if they have their own anxieties. Taking care of oneself, finding ways to destress, and setting up a supportive environment are also key to navigating this difficult time.
Strategies for Homeschooling and Online Learning
Homeschooling and online learning can be overwhelming for parents. Creating schedules, using visuals, and incorporating pre-macked principles can help. Setting up a designated workspace and using visual schedules or checklists can provide structure and make learning more enjoyable. It's important to be flexible and adapt strategies based on the needs of each child. Additionally, having patience and understanding that learning may look different during these challenging times is crucial.
Balancing Work and Parenting
Balancing work and parenting can be a challenge, especially during a pandemic. One approach is to rearrange schedules and find creative ways to allocate time for both work and parenting responsibilities. Shifting work hours and prioritizing tasks can help maximize productivity. It's important to communicate with employers or colleagues about the challenges faced as a parent during these times. Additionally, making use of early mornings or other periods of higher focus can help accomplish work tasks more efficiently.
The Challenges of Virtual Learning
The podcast episode discusses the challenges faced by parents, teachers, and students during the transition to virtual learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the difficulties of maintaining focus and engagement in virtual classrooms, especially for young children who are easily distracted by competing reinforcers like TV shows and games. The episode emphasizes the importance of setting up a structured and distraction-free learning environment to enhance learning outcomes and reduce overshadowing and masking effects. The hosts also share personal experiences and provide practical strategies like using antecedent interventions, clear schedules, and independent workspaces to help create a conducive learning environment at home.
The Value of Routine and Structure
Another key topic explored in the podcast is the significance of routine and structure in maintaining a sense of normalcy and reducing anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hosts discuss the positive impact of having consistent daily routines, predictable schedules, and clear expectations for both parents and children. They highlight how maintaining structure can help create a healthy work-life balance, enhance productivity, and provide a sense of stability amidst the uncertainties of the pandemic. The episode also emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding towards parents who are juggling multiple responsibilities and may be struggling with the challenges of virtual learning. Overall, the discussion underscores the importance of compassion, empathy, and flexibility in navigating the current circumstances and supporting families during these challenging times.
Parenting is difficult as it is. Throw in a worldwide pandemic and some days it feels like you might not make it through the day without smashing your head into the wall. Luckily, we have Shira Karpel and Shayna Gaunt, who are both BCBAs and parents themselves. They might just be the original “Liat & Casey”, with how well these two jive. They provide some behavioral principles to make this time semi-okay. Tune in or miss the F out!
