LAWRENCE, MASS. (WHDH) - As a single, working mom of three, life has always been a little chaotic for Elizabeth Lavasta — but managing her children’s remote learning has become what she refers to as a “new balancing act.”
“It took some creativity but it can definitely be done,” she said of overseeing the learning of her kids, a 16-year-old high school junior, a 6-year-old first-grader, and her kindergarten-aged daughter.
Lavasta, who formerly worked as a substitute teacher, said she knows how to keep her kids focused.
She even set up an area aimed at imitating her kids’ classroom — complete with the alphabet on the wall and motivational messages.
“I want to make sure it’s all personalized for them so they can take ownership over their own education because it’s important,” she said, adding that making and keeping a schedule is key.
“Always sticking to the same routine, ok 7 o’clock is breakfast, you have a one-hour window to get the kids dressed, fed,” she said, adding that she juggles her own work-from-home schedule as well.
When the day gets stressful, she suggests taking a moment alone — to avoid losing your temper.
“If I catch myself and I just go at it in a positive way, it’s way better,” she said with a laugh. “Education is an art form and maybe parents are able to see that now and also get to see, ‘Wow, my kid knows how to do that?'”
And her best piece of advice – lean on others for support.
“The best thing you can do is take it day-by-day, be honest with the people you’re working with, empathize with them as well because they’re probably going through the same things,” she said.
(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)