Ways to Healthy and Successful Parenting in Pandemic
The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has thrown family life into complete disarray. School closures, remote employment, physical separation – there’s a lot for parents to deal with. Therefore, Podium School recommends you the following tips to keep up your child’s well-being and education on track while they are at home in this new normal.
Be open to discussion on the topic. Surely, they’ve heard something about it already. Sincerity and openness help. Consider how much they will comprehend. As a parent, you are the closest trusted source of what is happening. Talking about COVID-19 with children is something that the UNICEF also recommends in its Coronavirus Parenting Guide. Give it a read here.
Allow your child to express themselves freely. Ask them open-ended questions to see how much they already know. Give honest answers to their questions. It is important to understand that the child might be terrified or perplexed. Allow them to express their emotions and assure them that you are there for them.
Back view of little girl in medical mask looking at camera over shoulder and holding hand of crop father while walking on parking lot during coronavirus outbreak
It is totally okay to say, “We don’t know, but we are working on it.”, or “We don’t know, but we believe it will be okay.” Take advantage of this opportunity to teach your youngster something new! Explain that COVID-19 has nothing to do with someone’s appearance, where they are from, or what language they speak.
Tell your child that we can be kind to individuals who are ill as well as those who care for them. Lessons on care-giving and humanity can be imparted to kids in a gentle manner.
Check to see if your child is all right. Remind them that you care and that they can contact you at any time. Then do something enjoyable together!
How to be a good parent during covid-19!
Create a routine with your child
Try to develop a schedule that incorporates age-appropriate educational programs that can be accessed online, on television, or through the radio. Consider playtime and reading as well. Use ordinary activities to provide your children with learning opportunities. And, if at all possible, make these plans collaboratively.
Many people attest that the COVID-19 pandemic helped them bond more with their families at home.
Although having a routine and structure is vital for children and adolescents, you may realize that they require flexibility during these times. Alter your actions and make space for them. Since children are relegated to their home spaces due to the frequent lockdowns in the COVID-19 period, it is important that you offer them comfort and cut them some slack.
Whenever your child appears restless or uncomfortable while following an online learning program, introduce a more engaging option. Don’t forget that planning and carrying out household chores together is excellent for the development of fine and gross motor functions. Involve the children at home by seeking their help and opinion in mundane tasks such as cooking, cleaning, watering plants, etc. Try to remain as attentive to their needs as possible.
Engage in open conversation
Encourage your children to ask questions and share their feelings. Remember that your child may react differently to stress, so be patient and empathetic. Begin by inviting them to discuss the problem, but never impose it on them. Determine how much they already know and then follow their lead.
Discuss the importance of hygiene. Everyday situations can be used to emphasize the necessity of things like wearing a mask and washing their hands. Assure that you are in a safe setting and that your child is free to express themselves. Drawing, storytelling, and other activities might help to start a conversation.
Try not to dismiss their concerns. Recognize their emotions and reassure them that it’s normal to be afraid of these things. Treat them on an equal footing by validating their emotions. Show that you’re attentive by giving them your undivided attention, and make sure they realize that they can approach you and their teachers whenever they want.
Children’s mental health during covid-19
Warn children about fake news and encourage them – and yourself – to rely on reliable sources of information, such as the Podium blog which provides all sources of recreation and credible information.
Allow yourself plenty of time.
Begin with shorter learning sessions and gradually increase their length. If you want to do a 30- or 45-minute workout with your child, start with 10 minutes and work your way up. Combine online or screen time with offline activities or exercises within a session.
It is advisable to ask your child to stretch and relieve muscle tension from long sitting hours at their PC or laptop. Children can be encouraged to take brisk walks, aerobics, stretching and jumping rope in between study sessions. We recommend that after every online study session, children and adults wash their face with clean water to soothe their tired eyes.
For instance, follow this poster to induce healthy habits in your children while they study online.
Ensure your children’s safety online during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Children can use digital platforms to continue learning, playing, and communicate with their peers. However, greater online access raises concerns about children’s safety, protection, and privacy.
Discuss internet safety and netiquette with your children so that they understand how it works, what they should be careful about, and what acceptable behavior looks like on the platforms they use, such as video calls and online classes.
Ensure your children’s safety online during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Set ground rules for how, when, and where the internet can be utilized. Set up parental settings on their devices to protect their children from internet dangers, especially younger children. Identify age-appropriate internet resources for amusement together – groups such as Common Sense Media provide recommendations for age-appropriate applications, games, and other online entertainment.
In the event of cyberbullying or improper internet content, be familiar with the school and other local reporting systems, as well as numbers for support helplines and hotlines.
Remember that there is no requirement for children or young people to disclose photos of themselves or other personal information to access digital learning.
Stay in contact with your children’s educational facility throughout COVID-19
Learn how to communicate with your children’s teacher or school to stay informed. Ask questions, and receive further direction. Parent or community organizations can also be a great method to help each other with homeschooling.
Maintain an Optimistic Attitude During the COVID-19 outbreak
It’s difficult to stay cheerful when the situation and its demands drive us insane. We frequently exclaim, “Stop doing that!”. Children, on the other hand, are far more likely to accomplish what we ask if we offer them positive instructions and lots of praise for what they do well.
When telling your child what to do, use positive language, such as “Please put your clothes away.” (rather than “Don’t create a mess.”). Shouting at your child can just make you and they feel more frustrated and irritable. Speak calmly to induce your child to take the action.
Maintain an Optimistic Attitude During the COVID-19 outbreak
Try complimenting them for a job well done. They may not show it, but they will repeat the pattern because of encouragement. It will also reassure them that you are aware and concerned.
Is your youngster capable of doing what you ask? It is difficult for a youngster to be quiet inside for an entire day, but they may be able to remain quiet for 15 minutes while you are on the phone. What we need is trust on the part of the parent. Constant doubts will discourage and demoralize your child.
Teens, in particular, require the ability to communicate with their peers. Assist your teen in connecting through social media and other safe distancing methods. You may do this in a group as well!
Final Thoughts
Thus, with these tips, we consider that you will be able to maintain the much talked about work-life balance. We at Podium School understand your concerns and are willing to help you with every aspect of your child’s education and well-being. Therefore, we will be happy if you give us this chance of establishing a healthy online interaction with you and your child.
Trust us to maintain a long time connect- because we believe that every child deserves to feel special and be happy with themselves. That is why we offer a range of services- from courses mentored by our Superteachers like Ruskin Bond, Shakti Mohan and Anjjan Srivastav to interactive sessions on Podium Prime and worksheets for children. Do visit the Podium Blog for more parenting tips, informative articles and listicles!
