A year ago, many of us were unfamiliar with Zoom, let alone using it for meetings. Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves relying on it for everything from schooling to family gatherings. In our household, it’s a whirlwind of Zoom classes, virtual therapy sessions, online birthday celebrations, and grandparent catch-ups. You name it, we’ve probably tried it.
However, keeping kids engaged during these video calls often turns into a chaotic affair. More often than not, the kids are either off-screen, bickering about trivial matters, or hilariously showing off their tonsils to unsuspecting relatives. My son is notorious for pacing the kitchen and discussing Fortnite while his teacher attempts to give important instructions over Zoom. And let’s not even talk about the countless times my out-of-state in-laws have tried to connect with their grandkids, only to be met with shrieks and disputes the moment they ask about the children’s day.
The challenges are even greater with younger kids who don’t understand the concept of virtual interaction. My three-year-old nephew only responds if he’s called “Cat Boy” from PJ Masks and will sit still only until his snack runs out. My sister’s kindergartner has made a habit of wandering off to the bathroom during Zoom calls, changing outfits mid-class, or forgetting she was supposed to be reading with her grandmother.
With little ones, keeping their attention is an uphill battle. They often lose interest, leading to disengagement that can frustrate family members trying to connect. Parents are left with the daunting task of either chasing their child around, bribing them with snacks and toys, or simply assuring relatives that their short attention spans aren’t personal. All this while parents themselves are exhausted and overwhelmed with Zoom fatigue.
As COVID-19 continues to impact our lives, and with the rollout of vaccines being less than ideal, video calls remain the primary way for families to stay connected. Parents of young children have limited options, but there are strategies to make these calls more engaging. A veteran preschool teacher shared valuable tips in an essay for Wired Magazine, suggesting that movement is key. Instead of sitting still, try having a dance party or going on a scavenger hunt around the house. Keeping the Zoom experience interactive can make a huge difference.
Or, if Zoom just isn’t working, consider taking a break from it altogether. As highlighted in the parenting column Care and Feeding on Slate, sometimes it’s better to explain to well-meaning family members that while we love them, traditional video calls might not be the best fit right now. Instead, opt for sending photos, videos, or even text messages, which can feel more personal and meaningful. After all, it’s the connection that matters, and receiving a random series of texts from a child can be just as heartwarming as a video call.
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In summary, keeping young children engaged during Zoom meetings presents a unique set of challenges for parents. With their short attention spans and boundless energy, it often requires creativity and flexibility to maintain their interest. Whether through movement, interactive activities, or even stepping away from video calls altogether, the goal is to foster meaningful connections with loved ones in these unprecedented times.
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