Introduction
With schools closed, parents working remotely, and physical distancing due to the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, family life has turned upside down worldwide. Take it right, and ensure that all enjoy the much-needed family time together, but working and parenting kids stuck at home takes work. With no school, no playing with their friends, no cycling around the neighborhood, or no going out, kids might find adapting to this new routine tough, and parents know how difficult it is to manage their professional and personal lives without outside help.
During this difficult time and with added pressure, it is normal to lose patience with the child more often, and patience will be pushed to the limits. But shouting at the kids and punishing them will not be effective and will only raise blood pressure and stress levels. Teach them to deal with daily problems in a fun way, and the child will listen and cooperate. This article has some playful tips and ways to make new routines to help parents and caregivers manage this situation.
How Do Children React to Stress and Anxiety?
Contrary to what adults think, young children are highly affected by the present situation. Most children can identify when their parents are stressed or anxious, and this will reflect in their behavior. They are very sensitive to such changes. The common reactions in children include:
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Constant or frequent crying.
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Getting restless.
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Difficulty falling asleep.
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Waking up due to nightmares.
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Clinging to their parents.
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Afraid of being alone.
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Keep repeating the things they hear.
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May become very aggressive and angry.
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Some kids might act younger than they are.
As kids are not very good at communicating with others, look for such changes and intervene at the right time.
What Can Be Done to Reduce a Child's Anxiety?
1. Take Time From Work for One-On-One Sessions: One might be stressed and overwhelmed thinking about money, work, etc., but remember that this is also the best time to establish a better relationship with the children. Take out time, even 20 to 30 minutes a day, and play or talk or do whatever they like indoors, making it free and fun for them. This gives them a sense of being loved and makes them feel important.
Make them choose what they want to do or suggest something from the following list:
For Toddler:
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Sing a song.
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Copy their facial expressions.
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Help them stack blocks.
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Tell them a story.
For Children Below Ten Years of Age:
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Read them a storybook.
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Look through old photos.
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Dance to their favorite songs.
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Draw and paint with them.
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Teach them how to clean their room or cook.
For Teenagers:
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Talk to them about their hobbies.
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Discuss things they like, such as sports, music, etc.
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Ask them if they spoke to their friends and how they are.
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Cook a meal together.
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Enjoy a family movie time.
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Exercise together.
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The only things that they need are attention and love.
2. Stay Positive: When stressed or if the kids are having a hard time, most parents shout at them and tell them to cut it out. This is not how it should be; it is hard to be positive during such situations, but children are likelier to listen when given positive instructions. Instead of telling them, “Stop making a mess,” tell them, “Please keep the toys away.” And once they do it, praise them, as it will encourage them to do the right thing and make them feel they are noticed and cared for. Shouting will just create stress and anger. Speak in a calm voice and always address them by their names.
Teenagers need to stay connected with their peers, so give them some space and time to chat and talk to them. Parents can arrange video chats for kids to connect with their grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins so they can get to know their extended family better. Avoid prolonged screen time, such as playing video games or watching TV for hours at a stretch. Try to interact more as a family. Have fun together!
3. Make a New Routine: It is essential to make a new routine for kids to adjust to the new environment. This new routine should have a fixed time for different activities and free time. This makes kids feel secure and behave properly. Due to COVID-19, it might be best to make social distancing and hand washing part of their daily routine.
4. Social Distancing: Explain to the child why social distancing is necessary and how it will help prevent the spread of infections.
5. Hand Hygiene: Let them sing their favorite song and ask them to sing it while they wash their hands. Teach them the proper way to wash their hands with soap and water. Children younger than eight should supervise their hand washing. Make it a habit to wash one’s hands:
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Before and after eating food.
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After going to the toilet.
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After playing with their toys.
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And if their hands are visibly soiled.
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Ask them to mark in a chart whenever they wash their hands and ask them to touch their faces less often. Give a star or some reward if they did everything right. Kids learn from their parents, so they are more likely to follow these rules if they see their parents doing the same. So washing hands is a must.
6. Redirect Bad Behavior: Most kids misbehave when bored, tired, hungry, or afraid. Spending the entire day at home will make them extra cranky. The best thing to do is identify what sets them off so the next time, one can catch it early and redirect their attention. When one sees them about to throw a tantrum, get up and ask them to play and do something fun.
7. Be Honest About the Virus: If they have questions about what is happening worldwide, make them understand all this. Tell them about the virus and how it spreads and affects people in a way they can understand. But do not scare them.
8. Manage the Stress: It is not always about the kid. Take a few minutes daily to do yoga, meditation, or anything else to help de-stress. Drink a cup of tea, chat with friends, etc.
9. Understand That It Is Fine Not to Know All the Answers: Talk and understand what the child needs, even if their questions are not answerable. Explain that things take time to learn and understand; they will feel proud and smart. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), be transparent with the children about this pandemic as possible.
How to Get Everything Done at Home?
Let the kids help with chores. It will teach them life skills and also keep them busy. Give them tasks according to their age. Make a chart with what they must do and stick it on the refrigerator. At the end of each day, tell the child one or two fun or positive things they did. This will motivate them for the next day. Stay home, stay safe, and enjoy this time with the kids!
Conclusion:
People may feel even more threatened by the pandemic's changing character. One can feel more secure by keeping relatives informed on safety-related information and being current on it. Consider taking controllable measures, including washing hands and physically separating from the person. Every parent must laugh, read, and play together with kids. As they get older, record their most memorable experiences in writing, including the ones that just make one smile, and snap lots of photos of them. Consider that the little things were the ones that mattered the most.
