Spotlight
Andi Manzano: Learning by Language of Love
Homeschooling is a challenge, but for Andi Manzano-Reyes, a more encouraging approach helps both mother and child succeed
The unprecedented events that followed a nationwide lockdown posed tough challenges at home. Children were not allowed to go to school to prevent the spread of the virus. This led to the sudden shift to online schooling. Theoretically, this would have been more convenient. But with the new setup, unexpected problems surfaced. Aside from the obvious challenges that would come from Internet dependency, there was also the issue of children losing focus while seated in-front of computers for prolonged hours. As a result, subjects they once enjoyed in the classroom were no longer as interesting and engaging.
The New Online Set-Up
Celebrity mom Andi Manzano-Reyes, whose daughter Olivia started online schooling last year, made the most of the new setup. On her social media platforms, she shared how she and her little one navigated a digital classroom experience. She offered sound advice for parents in her posts.
“I’m all for consistency and routines, but sometimes, we need to change things up for our kids,” Andi says. “It could be another area for homeschool, a special meal, or a trip to the park after school, to give them back that feeling of excitement. We have to remind ourselves that even our children are stuck at home with us when they should be running outside and playing in a park. Their childhood is completely different from what many of us grew up with. And we have to give them credit for that—and every so often, shake things up so that they have something new to look forward to.”
Andi also encourages parents to be more self-aware and thoughtful because the experience is equally new to both parent and child. She explains, “Create a schedule that works for you and your child. Each child is different. Some might need ‘brain’ breaks and do something creative in between. Speak with love. Not annoyance. Not out of frustration. But out of love. Encourage and always give positive feedback. Last, patience.”
Life has changed
The way we do things at home has evidently changed. For a parent like Andi, invaluable lessons have been embraced to help her family cope with change. She says, “This pandemic taught me how to slow down, to focus, to do things better. To be in the now and at the moment, and to have faith for whatever tomorrow brings; that this season will make us stronger and wiser.”
Check out more stories about Andi Manzano and family.
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