Situations have certainly been challenging for everyone but especially for parents who are trying their best to keep their children updated with their academic goals. It has been more than a year now since schools have been closed and online classes have been going on. Even though it seems like we are used to it, this situation has its own set of unique challenges. Many parents are anxious that their child might not be able to learn as much as they could have in a traditional classroom setup. To combat the feelings of worry, here are some tips for creating the optimum environment for learning at home - 

Assign a learning area - Have you ever noticed how you automatically switch to the cooking mode when in the kitchen or when you used to reach your office you would commence work automatically. This happens because our mind assigns meaning to each space, establishing a study corner becomes an essential step. Making the spot visually appealing will make the child more motivated to engage in learning. 

Manage your child’s routine - Discipline goes a long way in the child’s life & setting up a conducive environment for that is the parent’s responsibility. Build a healthy routine along with the child, discuss & develop it. Reward the child when they follow their routines & when they fail to try to understand what is causing hindrance.

Nurture a learner’s mindset in your child - A learner’s mindset is one of curiosity in children. You must have noticed that kids usually ask many questions, it is a great sign. How you respond to these questions can permanently shape their attitude towards learning. Always encourage your child & motivate them to find the answers for themselves.

Limit Distractions - Reducing your child’s access to devices is highly important. Even if the child is using a gadget their consumption must be guided & monitored. It is easier to concentrate on one thing at a time, otherwise, it is overwhelming & overstimulating. 

Concentration Exercises - Cognitive exercises are extremely important for building concentration power. Induce activities like playing chess, reading books & meditation in your child’s routine. 

Be mindful of your habits - Remember that your child is observing you unconsciously & children learn through imitation. You are your child’s first role model, if you enjoy learning new things your child will imbibe the quality over time.

Keeps things age-appropriate - Many parents make the mistake of trying to force on their child what they didn't have growing up, this leads to an overburdened schedule even for very young children. Allow your child to breathe & enjoy their childhood. Play is also important for the holistic development of the child. 

In conclusion, it is important to remember that the environment a child has will shape how he/she will turn out to be. Even Though we are living in strange times It is essential to be mindful of creating a conducive & stimulating environment for the child's development.