February 12, 2021
A year ago, many of us were unfamiliar with Zoom, but now, it’s become the go-to platform for everything. In my household, we have Zoom school, Zoom therapy, Zoom celebrations, and even virtual visits with grandparents. You name it, we’ve likely done it over Zoom.
However, the reality often looks different. The kids might be off-screen, bickering about trivial matters, or, in the case of my nine-year-old, finding amusement in showing his grandparents his tonsils. It’s not uncommon for him to be wandering around the kitchen, engrossed in a Fortnite discussion, while his teacher is trying to get the class’s attention.
As for my out-of-state relatives hoping for some virtual bonding time with their grandchildren, they often end up hanging up quickly when both kids turn into hyperactive bundles of energy, only interested in arguing when asked about their day.
And that’s just from the older kids. For the little ones, like my three-year-old nephew, keeping them focused on Zoom is a monumental task. He’ll only respond if you call him “Cat Boy,” and his attention span lasts only as long as his snack does. Once he finishes his treat, he’s off.
Similarly, my sister’s kindergartner has a knack for wandering off during Zoom calls. She once attempted to change outfits mid-class or got distracted and left her grandmother reading to an empty screen.
Between my various young relatives, I’ve experienced being ignored, ditched, or taken on a whirlwind tour of their homes as the camera moves from room to room. One of my two-year-old nephews even decided to hide under the table to avoid the screen. I understand, but as a parent, I worry that others might not feel the same way.
Managing young children during these virtual interactions can be overwhelming. Their fleeting attention can unintentionally upset family members trying to connect, and as for their education—well, it’s anyone’s guess what learning is really taking place. Parents are already juggling so much, and adding this task only amplifies the stress.
With COVID cases still prevalent and vaccination efforts moving slowly, Zoom remains the primary way for friends and family to interact with kids they don’t live with. Parents of young children often find themselves with few options: they can chase their kids, bribe them with snacks, or try to explain to relatives that their child’s short attention span isn’t personal—all while feeling equally fatigued by the endless Zoom meetings.
A veteran preschool teacher shared some useful strategies to keep little ones engaged on Zoom. While aimed at educators, her tips can benefit anyone trying to hold a child’s focus during a virtual call. Her first piece of advice? Encourage movement. The younger the child, the more movement you want. Instead of a sit-down chat, consider hosting a dance party or a scavenger hunt around the house. You could also share a virtual book and read together so both can see the images.
The essence of her guidance is to keep Zoom sessions interactive, dynamic, and energetic. Forget about rigid expectations of how Zooming with kids should look. Alternatively, if Zoom is too much, consider stepping back altogether. A parenting advice column suggested that sometimes, it’s best to explain to well-meaning relatives that while you cherish them, Zoom isn’t working for your family right now. Instead, look for other ways to connect—like sending texts, photos, or videos. I cherish the random text messages from my niece, filled with emojis and predictive text; they remind me that she thinks of me and wants to connect, which is ultimately what matters most.
If you’re interested in more insights on family connections during this time, check out this post on our blog.
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Summary:
The shift to virtual communication through platforms like Zoom has posed significant challenges for parents trying to keep young children engaged. With distractions and short attention spans, maintaining interest during these calls can be tough. Experts suggest making Zoom sessions interactive and dynamic, or even stepping back from them altogether in favor of other forms of connection. Ultimately, what matters most is fostering relationships in ways that work for your family.
Keyphrase: Keeping kids engaged on Zoom
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