Think being a college student during COVID-19 is hard? Try adding a kid to the mix.
By Kimberly Solis
Being a college student is hard work. But having to transition to virtual classes while also parenting and homeschooling a mini-you puts you on a whole other hustle when it comes to holding down your household during this pandemic.
As a CSUF student and mother, I feel these extra responsibilities and stress. If you do too, let me tell you, you’re not alone.
According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, there are over 2.6 million student moms across the U.S. That’s more than 2.6 million pairs of hands playing hero everyday—wiping away tears of frustration and fear from their kids and themselves, cooking for two or more people at least three times a day, as well as typing progress reports to teachers while also completing projects, exams, and reports for their own professors.
As students, we have assignments to work on, deadlines to meet, and Zoom classes to attend, but that’s not the only title we bear. We’re also mom or dad, and that requires feeding, caring for and entertaining our little one’s without much school aid or resources now that we’re ordered to practice social distancing. This means we’ve had to take on the role of teachers to our kids, to ensure their educational needs are met.
Due to the stay-at-home order in California, nearly 6.2 million public school kids grade K-12 have been supplemented with online learning or are out of school altogether. As parents, it’s our responsibility that our children continue their education by whatever means possible.
Although some schools are providing some sort of distance learning, parents are struggling to find curriculum material and entertaining lesson plans that are age-appropriate for their children.
For the essential workers with kids, it might be even harder to find time to safely spend with your children.
Thankfully, certain organizations have created resources for those of us having trouble getting used to our new reality.
Here’s a list of companies and programs offering free subscriptions and educational activities for kids so that while they are busy having fun and learning, you can study hard and rest easy knowing they’re still getting an education during this pandemic.
Grades: Pre-K-3
Offers a variety of activities such as coloring sheets, how to videos and games.
Grades: Pre-K-3
Explore fun kid recipes, age appropriate activities, jokes, games and stories.
Grades: Pre-K-3
This app teaches kids basic English words, abc’s and numbers through games and music.
Grades: Pre-K-3
The bilingual children book company is providing free printable activity worksheets, to receive them just subscribe to their newsletter.
Grades: Pre-K-3
Ideal for small children. Kids learn math, language arts and music.
Grades: Pre-K-6
Sign up to their newsletter to receive daily activities and tips for your kids.
Grades: Pre-K-6
Children learn math, language arts, science and social studies through a variety of games.
Grades: Pre-K-8
Helps children expand their math, problem-solving and literacy skills through age appropriate games, books and videos.
Grades: Pre-K-8
Choose a category from pre-kindergarten to 8th grade and practice common core math skills.
