Embracing The Wave Of Digitalization: 7 Tips On How To Prepare Yourself & Your Child For This New Digital World!

The world as we knew yesterday is no longer the same! Ever since COVID-19 entered our world, everything has changed & the education system too had to succumb to the changes but it’s important to note that some of these changes are positive. As much as it feels as though everything has been forced to be digitalised as if we have been hit by a wave of digitalization, it’s not as bad as it seems. We are in 2020, and this change shouldn’t be scary, so let’s embrace the transformation and the new education system that has evolved today.

A lot of schools are still closed & Kenya has just announced that schools won’t reopen until 2021. There have been mixed reactions to this. Some parents have accepted this happily, keeping safety in mind & some aren’t too sure about ‘no school for another few months or so’.

Whatever the case, thank God for WiFi and advanced technology. Even though some parents have mixed feelings and are unsure about how education continues online without physical interaction, it’s important to note that this transformative journey probably has been and continues to be a learning curve for all humans, kids included.

So the question then arises how can we adapt to this new era, i.e. the new digital world with online classes and online teaching. How do we prepare not just ourselves as parents but our children more so, as ‘social distancing’ means, kids will be missing out on a few months or maybe more of ‘normal growth’ i.e. no socialising during and outside classroom activities, no going on school trips etc?

This is not as bad as it seems. This change has brought about a few positives, bullying for example, finally isn’t much of a problem. Yes, we have ‘cyberbullying’, but at least parents now have more control over this provided they are involved and kids would be more frightened knowing there’s someone watching.

Some of the tips below are to help prepare not just yourself as parents but also your children, on how to embrace the new change and make the most out of it.

1. Acceptance- Let’s all accept that COVID-19 has caused this eruption of changes. Let’s accept that first and then the fact that change is inevitable and it’s not a bad thing and that we need to learn to adapt to it rather than fight it.

2. Have Open Conversations- If your child has questions about the situation, make this easy by answering the questions you can, and for the questions, you have no answers to, be honest. For example, if your child wants to know about the facts of COVID-19 share with them all that is true. Don’t talk about anything you are not certain about. If they ask a question as to when will everything get back to normal? You must be honest and let them know truly that you can’t be sure.

3. Get Familiarised With The Technology- Well not all parents are tech-savvy parents, and for most, it means learning about how the whole online education system works. Do it! It’s not rocket science! If you need assistance asking your kid isn’t a bad idea.

4. Spend More Time As A Family- Yes, kids won’t be learning the same way, no peers no extracurricular activities. This means as parents you will need to learn to fill that huge void for now. Be their best friend if possible. If you have a private pool then go swimming with your kids. If you have a nice garden utilise it. If you don’t you can still plan a lot of indoor activities. It’s also time to invest in some educational board games such as scrabble.

5. Control The Screen Time- Being 24/7 on the laptop or phone isn’t advisable. Try and control the hours. Don’t be too regimental as this is a difficult period for your child to adjust to, but do put hours so that they don’t spend too much time online. You can indulge them in different activities such as baking etc.

6. Stay Connected- It’s really strange, there are families that are stuck indoors but barely communicate with each other as everyone’s busy on their phones etc. Utilise this time wisely by staying connected. If your child is studying online you can still get involved and find out how the class went, whether he/she needs help with assignments etc. By getting involved in your child’s life/routine this helps strengthen the bond. Your child will feel more comfortable to have open conversations about things you may or may not know that is happening in their life.

7. Stay Calm, Collected & Optimistic- Now that everyone’s indoors, there’s a bigger chance of arguments and clashes. That’s okay just stay calm and collected. Avoid arguing with your partner in front of your child and try not to use harsh and/or hurtful language. How you react, will determine how your child reacts. Keep reassuring yourself and your kids that this time shall pass and that normalcy will return.

What are the challenges you are facing as you embrace the wave of digitalization? Let us know your thoughts as a parent!