Parents Say a Quiet Space and a Checklist Make All the Difference.
In the beginning, her seven-year-old daughter would get a little sleepy after turning on the laptop—but only for schoolwork; gaming could keep her engaged for hours.
Her mother, Dubai-based Diya Mathur, says she gradually found ways to help her daughter focus during online classes, though it took trial and error. “I was persistent. I cleaned up her table, created an academic space, and had her wear her school uniform so she felt like she was in school. During breaks, I’d ask questions like, ‘What did you learn?’ That kept her alert and a bit more focused because she knew, ‘Mom’s going to ask me questions, so I better pay attention,’” Diya explains. “There’s no foolproof method. Every child is different and responds differently.”
It has been a challenging period for parents and children across the UAE, but many are determined to make the best of it. Dining areas have become makeshift classrooms, and parents often take on the role of co-teachers. While uncertainty disrupts routines and distractions can be frustrating, there are moments of triumph.
Families agree it’s not about replicating school—it’s about reimagining it.
Screens Are the New Classroom
For parents like Dubai-based sales executive Anisha Lakhani, the challenge starts with a familiar contradiction. “At a time when parents are trying to limit screen exposure for their children, we find ourselves in a situation where distance learning has become essential,” she says.
As Lakhani notes, attention spans are short and distractions are plentiful. Structure, however, has become her anchor. By sitting alongside her daughter during lessons, she establishes a rhythm of short sessions, frequent breaks, and small incentives to keep her engaged. A quiet space and a simple checklist also make a big difference.
“Equally important is the effort from teachers. They start classes with a morning song and incorporate sensory activities with a touch of humor, which helps capture the attention of young children. I believe that when parents and teachers work together, distance learning can be both enjoyable and effective at this age,” Lakhani adds.
Structure and Routine
A bit of organization goes a long way.
Structure and Routine in Action
Dubai-based Mona Dhanjal carefully plans her son Ryan’s day. “Every evening, I review the timetable and make a small list of the topics he’ll be focusing on,” she explains.
Her approach is both meticulous and flexible, breaking subjects into manageable chunks and building in regular breaks. She ensures that her nearly eight-year-old stays engaged beyond the screen. “I make sure there are lots of breaks—he can have a bit of water, a snack, or interact with something other than his laptop,” she says.
One of her most effective strategies is surprisingly simple: routine and uniform. “I put my son in school uniform because I strongly believe that even at seven, eight, or nine, wearing the uniform signals that they are expected to learn and focus.”
Dhanjal also keeps learning fun. She turns everyday moments into lessons—using water-filled jugs to explain fractions, and keeping plenty of paper and pens within reach to encourage hands-on engagement.
Her younger child, however, needs a completely different approach. “Nursery is like a whole kettle of fish,” Dhanjal explains, describing days filled with tracing, soft play, and imaginative activities. There are fewer structured lessons, and more movement, with the pace largely guided by the child herself.
The Challenge of Screens
It’s undoubtedly hard for a child to sit for hours in front of a screen, as Dr Sneha John, a clinical psychologist at Medcare Camali Clinic in Jumeirah, explains. Enthusiasm naturally wanes, since half the joy of school comes from interacting with friends and teachers. Overcoming this challenge is difficult, but not impossible.
Dr John recommends establishing a firm routine, just as one would for in-person school: go to bed and wake up on time, wear a uniform, do light stretches, have breakfast, and then log in. She also emphasizes regular breaks, encouraging children to step outside during those intervals and get some fresh air.
Dr John adds that after class, parents should keep children’s minds engaged by asking, “So what did you learn today?”—a strategy many parents, like Diya, have already adopted. She also stresses the importance of supervising that unnecessary tabs aren’t open and that children are actively participating in the lesson.
Once classes are over, screens should be put away. Having already spent much of the day in front of a device, children need other activities to stay occupied, such as hobbies or outdoor play.
For Shaheera Anwar, the main challenge isn’t the lessons themselves, but the medium. “The screen’s the biggest distraction, honestly,” she says.
Young children, particularly those aged five to six, struggle to navigate virtual classrooms. Between emojis, mute buttons, and the temptation to watch classmates, maintaining focus is difficult. “It’s a lot for them to manage already, apart from just focusing on the lesson itself,” Anwar explains.
Like many working parents, Anwar’s day doesn’t end when work does—evenings become a “second school shift.” “I have to sit with him separately, away from the screen, after 6 pm, spending an hour or two going over lessons and helping him complete his school tasks before the next day begins,” she explains.
She offers reassurance to other parents: “Don’t feel guilty if the young ones aren’t getting the exact education they should. This situation is beyond our control, and their mental health and safety come first.”
Parents also need to ensure that unnecessary tabs aren’t open and that children are actively engaging with the lesson. Once classes are over, screens should be put away to allow for other activities and downtime.
Tips to Navigate Distance Learning
- Create a simple routine: Follow a school-like schedule—sleep and wake on time, get dressed (even in uniform) to set the tone for the day.
- Break the day into chunks: Short lessons with frequent breaks help children stay focused and reduce screen fatigue.
- Stay involved: Sit in on sessions when possible, or revisit lessons later by asking, “What did you learn today?” to reinforce understanding.
- Limit screen distractions: Monitor unnecessary tabs and ensure children are actively engaged during lessons.
- Make learning hands-on: Use everyday activities—measuring, drawing, or play—to explain concepts beyond the screen.
- Prioritise movement and fresh air: Encourage children to step away from devices during breaks and spend time outdoors.
- Adapt by age: Younger children benefit from play-based learning, while older ones thrive with structure and independence.
- Cut back on screens after school: Shift to offline activities such as hobbies, reading, or playtime once classes are done.
- Be flexible and kind to yourself: Not every day will go perfectly—focus on consistency rather than perfection.
- Don’t carry guilt: This is an unusual situation. Your child’s mental health and well-being are just as important as academic progress.
