5 tips for keeping your teen engaged while learning from home

Putting your feelings into words can help prevent misunderstandings and frustration. In fact, clearly stating your expectations is one of the keys to good communication. This is especially true if you want to make sure your teen attends their online classes.

Here’s a good approach:

• Think about what you want
• Set realistic goals,
• State your expectations clearly
• Put them in writing
• Open up the discussion (ask your teen if they have questions, expectations, etc.)
• Etc.

Online learning comes with a certain amount of flexibility. However, that flexibility often makes it difficult to stay focused. There’s nothing like a strict schedule to keep things on track. By getting your teen to create a schedule, you’ll help them do the following:

• Stay organized
• Be responsible for their own schoolwork
• Set priorities
• Get to know themselves better
• Etc.

Telling your teen that you trust them (and actually showing it) will make them more likely to cooperate. Your trust serves as a kind of contract. Here’s how:

• Happy to have earned your trust, your teen won’t want to let you down
• Your satisfaction will increase their self-confidence
• This increased self-confidence will motivate them to exceed your expectations
• Etc.

Everyone likes to be rewarded for their work, whether they’re 7 years old or 99 years young. Getting recognized for effort and personal investment is motivating and boosts self-esteem. Here are a few rewards that every teen loves:

• Special permissions
• An extended curfew
• A takeout meal
• Etc.

It’s important to practise what you preach! If you want your teen to attend and participate in their online classes, try doing the following:

• Create a routine for your professional and personal activities
• Show up on time for your meetings
• Follow through on your commitments
• Stay positive
• Etc.