coronavirus disease (COVID-19), millions of children are obliged to remain at home. During this time, it is helpful for parents to consider their child’s needs for structure, education, exercise, social contact, appropriate leisure time, and calm, rational explanations about the situation.
A Need for Structure
Children may consider this time to be similar to long school breaks or summer vacation, but it is not exactly the same. “Unlike summer vacation, this break is sudden and unplanned, and the time away from school has not been specified,” “This can be difficult for children to understand. In general, people don’t do well when they are unsure about the future, even in an area as simple as the schedule.”
Set Regular Bedtimes and Wake-Ups.
After perhaps the first few days, have your child or teen follow the usual school day–weekend day sleep schedule. It is best to have a regular wake-up time and bedtime that is the same as the schedule you set when they are attending school, since it can be hard to get back on track, especially if kids get into a late-to-bed, late-to-rise schedule.
Establish a School Day Educational Schedule.
Math and science can be also incorporated into cooking and meal prep. Questions to pose to your child may include the following:
What happens to vegetables when they are heated?
Why do we cook meat? Does cooking help reduce germs?
How much more is 360 degrees than 120 degrees?
At what temperature does water boil?
Exercise and Social Contact
“By keeping active each day, everyone will be calmer and will sleep better,” “Get involved by taking walks and playing games with your kids, such as tag, hide-and-seek, Red Rover, “Relay races, bike rides, teach about nature, plants, animals, and birds.
As for sports, “You can get together a small group of healthy kids to play some games,” he adds. “It doesn’t have to be fancy—kickball is enjoyed. Getting friends together in small groups can provide fun and ease tension, “Social contact is very important for children. Youth that are connected to other children are happier, less anxious, and have more fun.”
Even when isolated, parents can help kids stay connected to others with modern technology, within reasonable limits, adds. Encourage appropriate and reasonable use of phones, tablets, and computers for making the connections. Parents should follow wise
“You do not need to know the details of each interaction, but you should have a sense of the themes and the persons that your child is contacting, even teens,” “While out of school, children may be seen as potential targets for cyber predators, so encourage your children to be open.
Leisure Time Considerations.
Make certain that a good portion of leisure time activity is active, both mentally and physically. “Passive observation and watching of content is fine within limits, but don’t let your child’s mind go numb by consuming content that does not require thought,” “Teachers and school provide kids with more than six hours of mental exercise. Try to match that.”
Passive and sedentary entertainment can also be a problem. It can lead to a reduction in physical health and fitness and contribute to unwanted weight gain. “Remember, at school, children and teen are at least walking around the building,”.
Reducing Anxiety in the Face of Real-Life Concerns.
It’s best for parents to provide explanations about COVID-19 and help maintain an appropriate calm, To help manage anxiety in children of all ages, make certain to provide accurate information from reliable sources.
Do your best to protect your child and family members from COVID-19 and let your child know how they can protect themself and others. Guides and rules for social distancing and hygiene and consulting with healthcare professionals should be followed. “Even young children can calmly understand illnesses. Let them know at an appropriate developmental level how COVID-19 can be passed onto others, that most people do not become very sick.
If you find yourself excessively worried, tense, or sad, consult with health, mental health, and other sources of counseling, such as clergy. Check for these reactions in your children too. “Stressful times contribute to mental health problems, especially if they were present before the stress started,” . “Make sure to take care of you and your children’s mental health during this health concern.”
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