Remote Learning Tips for Children With Disabilities

Remote learning is a challenge for everyone, from teachers to parents to students. And this pandemic has shown us just how difficult it can be for everyone to adapt. Beyond that, parents of children with disabilities have even greater obstacles, since they must balance work, life, and unique schooling challenges that other parents may not encounter. Do you find yourself in this situation? If you’re like many of our neighbors here in Southern California, you may feel overwhelmed, juggling new remote learning demands with your day to day lifestyle. So, how can you help your child to thrive while taking care of yourself? Today, we’re offering up a few tips that you can try. As always, you can count on Inland Respite to connect you with professional respite care providers who specialize in care for children with disabilities — we’re here to help! Simply reach out to us to get started if you need a helping hand.

Speak With Your Teachers

As we mentioned, every child is different, and that’s a fact that every teacher knows. Work with your child’s teachers to help them understand your child’s unique needs, communication preferences, and learning strengths and challenges.

Set Aside a Learning Space

If you can spare the space in your home, a dedicated space can work wonders to help your child focus on their studies. Consider setting up a dedicated “office” for your child, with a desk, comfortable chair, and a computer. Have the standard supplies ready, including paper and pens/pencils for note taking. Have your child provide you with input on what they’d like to have in their learning space.

Identify Your Child’s Unique Needs

Every child has different learning preferences, different strengths, and different obstacles to overcome. If your child struggles with online learning, consider working through lessons with them. Or if your child doesn’t want to do homework after lessons, encourage them with positive reinforcement. Reward them for completing their homework. Try new techniques with your child as they navigate through these remote learning conditions.

Find the Right Motivation

Just as children find different teaching techniques to be more effective, so too do they find different forms of motivation more enticing. Ask your child about what drives them towards their goals. And be mindful of gifts and rewards you’ve given to your child that make their eyes sparkle. Finding the right motivation and gamifying your child’s education can help them to focus and feel rewarded when they complete lessons or get good grades.

You Deserve Respite

Don’t forget to care for yourself during these trying times. Parents often get stretched thin, making it more difficult to engage with their child while they are learning. If you need help caring for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out for it. Get respite care so that you can focus on yourself and your work when you need to, so that you can give your child your all as they navigate through schooling.

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Get a Helping Hand From Inland Respite

At Inland Respite, we understand the challenges of raising a child, and the unique challenges we face during the coronavirus pandemic. We want you to know that we’re here to lend a helping hand whenever you need it. We provide respite care services for parents throughout Southern California, so that children get extra attention, while parents get much deserved rest and relief. If you’re curious about our services or would like to get started, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us — we’re here to help!