Strategically planned studies help students plan their goals in a specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely way. Here are some steps you can take to begin the process of preparation for mediation.
The exams are right around the corner and they are actually a stressful time not only for the students but also for their parents. Parents are often at a loss as to how they can help their children before the test begins, especially when it comes to stress, anxiety and limiting screen time.
The screen is all around us. They are on our walls, on our tables, in our cars and in our hands. In some ways, technology has made our lives easier and better. It makes things convenient and makes learning more accessible and flexible However, on the other side of the coin, excessive screen time can negatively affect our mental well-being, distract children from learning, cut off social contact, and reduce physical activity.
* Try these helpful tips to detox screen time during testing –
1. Stay calm around your kids –
Although parents may be more stressed than their own children, one should focus on staying calm and making wise decisions rather than showing their restlessness around their children.
2. Gradually reduce the screen time
Creating a new screen time habit will not happen overnight. Any major change takes time and consistency. For better success with your family’s digital detox, try to cut back slowly.
3. Create a study planner –
Sitting side by side with your child is ideal for helping them plan their exam schedule. More time should be allocated to things that may seem challenging to the child. Also, create a healthy study environment around your child. It should be well ventilated, well illuminated and have all the necessary and essential stationery items. Instead of embracing our own past and the challenges we face, enjoy / discuss what they are interested in.
4. Set aside time for fun and games –
As a parent you must replace your child’s screen time with active time. Being physically active is also very important. Let your child play their favorite game or games for a certain period of time. This will help you to detox your child’s screen time during the test.
5. Draw a line between screen time, meal time and bedtime
Make sure we enjoy all our food without editing on the device, be it any age, it can be used to tell a story, prove ideas, play puzzles or complete tasks to get it in an effective state. Stay involved in success and failure because both have lessons to teach. Getting a good night’s rest helps to recharge our body and mind. Therefore, it is important to turn off all screens – TV, phone, tablet, etc., at least one hour before bedtime. By turning off the screen before bed, children will have more time to “wind down” with activities such as reading, listening to music, or journaling. Also, keep all the curtains out of your child’s bedroom. A beep, vibration or explosion of light can disrupt the sleep cycle. Moving devices out of the bedroom means kids can’t text, call or play all night long.
6. Be a role model
Avoid keeping yourself away from the screen and be a role model. If we do not follow it, they are emitting what they are observing. Start doing what we expect from them. Train them to draw a line between what is right and what is wrong.
7. Play some traditional games
Try playing simple games with kids that don’t require resources, such as: Treasure Hunt at home, animal name naming, vocabulary games, passing new words, creating a story out of outline, photo discussion, get to know me better, etc.
“We all need to start attracting children instead of focusing on distracting them from the unwanted things we expect from them.”
Author Principal, Orchids The International School, Tathawade, Pune