Why a kid’s relationship with teachers is more important than ever (Nat Geo)

Why a kid’s relationship with teachers is more important than ever (Nat Geo)

When the pandemic forced most kids into remote learning last spring, children lost vital physical connections with their teachers. Gone were the morning high-fives, hallway conversations, and over-the-shoulder homework corrections they were used to. Positive teacher-student bonds are the “secret sauce of education”, yet many kids in Virtual School feel isolated, bored and disconnected - especially given large class sizes and technology limitations. The good news is that you can improve your child’s relationship with their teacher, even during a pandemic.

Teach children to think of screen time like food...and regulate the junk, says expert (CBC)

Teach children to think of screen time like food...and regulate the junk, says expert (CBC)

“How we consume technology and its impact on our brain and body is very similar to how we consume food ... we have to understand what is healthy for us, what nurtures us," says Shimi Kang, author of The Tech Solution: Creating Healthy Habits for Kids Growing Up in a Digital World. She suggests parents focus LESS on how much time children are spending in front of a screen and more on what they are actually doing while they are there.

Kids can get lonely. Here’s why that’s more concerning during the pandemic (Nat Geo)

Kids can get lonely. Here’s why that’s more concerning during the pandemic (Nat Geo)

As the pandemic persists, kids might be feeling even more cut off from friends and family. Here are some tell-tale signs of loneliness in children and what parents can do to help their kids feel less secluded.

How to Stop Negative Emotions From Spreading Like COVID-19 (Psychology Today)

How to Stop Negative Emotions From Spreading Like COVID-19 (Psychology Today)

During pandemics, personal choices determine whether we contain or spread the virus. Our decisions also govern something even more contagious—our emotions. When they’re out of control, one person’s irritability can upset the whole family’s happiness. But, if we understand and harness transmissible emotions, they can (like a vaccine) protect family wellbeing.

Building an attitude of gratitude in children (NatGeo)

Building an attitude of gratitude in children (NatGeo)

Expressing gratitude releases oxytocin in the brain, which promotes a feeling of empathy, calmness, trust, and a sense of safety,” says author and parent coach Elaine Uskoski. Plus, “having the ability to look for a positive perspective during trying times gives a child an opportunity to control their emotional response. A child will then be less likely to experience fear, anxiety, and a sense of powerlessness.

Effective strategies for remote learning — for teachers and parents (Harvard EdCast)

Effective strategies for remote learning — for teachers and parents (Harvard EdCast)

With many children learning remotely this fall, Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, a leader in online learning, knows that it’s a daunting task for teachers — and parents — to deliver a high-quality experience. “…The catastrophe that we need to avoid is a large chunk of kids just falling off of their path,” Khan says. “A lot of it is just going to be a mental health issue, making sure they're engaged. I think if kids are engaged in mental health and they're having regular touchpoints with amazing teachers, things are going to be fine. The crisis is going to stay a crisis. It won't become a catastrophe.”

Kids used to love screen time; then schools made Zoom mandatory all day long (The Washington Post)

Kids used to love screen time; then schools made Zoom mandatory all day long (The Washington Post)

Whatever their schedule, screens are an unavoidable part of learning remotely for millions of students this Fall. Video conferences, when used to interact with students, can be a healthy social activity for kids who are isolated at home, experts say. But tasks that are just listening and watching might be less valuable if done too much for the sake of filling up a school day. “It’s not solely about the issue of screens, but what’s happening on those screens,” said Josh Golin, executive director of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, an advocacy group.

Kids Can Start Mindfulness as Young as Four and Five

Kids Can Start Mindfulness as Young as Four and Five

Annaka Harris, best-selling author and mindfulness teacher (as well as wife of neuroscientist-philosopher-author-podcast creator Sam Harris), believes that teaching these skills to children is critical. She speaks often about her experience working with young children - and especially how she’s been surprised to learn that they are able pick up mindfulness techniques (and use them effectively) as young as four or five years old.

Kidevolve Featured on Alyson Schafer's 'The Adlerian Way' podcast!

Kidevolve Featured on Alyson Schafer's 'The Adlerian Way' podcast!

This week, join internationally acclaimed parenting expert Alyson Schafer as she features Kidevolve on her The Adlerian Way podcast. Take a listen and see why Alyson is so jazzed about Kidevolve’s Imaginarium and our zany, zesty, soothing, Creative Mind Journeys™ - first-of-their kind audio stories that mix music, sound fx, incredible voice talent and pure whimsy to deliver highly imaginative tales that double as smart guided practices. Alyson interviews founder Kirsten Chase to see why teaching kids core self-regulation skills doesn’t need to seem punitive or boring - and why adults are digging these tracks too!

You can also find The Adlerian Way here or here!

Supporting Your Children’s Emotional Well-Being at Home (Chopra.com)

Supporting Your Children’s Emotional Well-Being at Home (Chopra.com)

Nearly half of parents of children under age 18 say their stress levels related to the coronavirus pandemic are high, with managing their kids’ online learning a significant source of stress for many. Using these four reminders in our homes, we can work to support our children’s emotional well-being, while making this time as meaningful as possible for them.