COVID-19 Lockdown Parenting Tips

The COVID lockdown has thrown up new challenges. You are locked up inside your home 24/7, and when you have exuberant children for company, life becomes extremely complicated. You will require all the parenting tips you can get. So here, we present some of the best parenting tips to get through this COVID lockdown with peace.

Talk to Them, Even if it is about COVID

Young children are very inquisitive and are full of questions. Answer them in a way that they understand. Dispel their fears and doubts with facts, and if you do not know the answers, tell them you can find the answers together. This will allay their fears and ensure that they come to you with all their doubts and questions in the future. This will also increase your one-to-one time.

Communicate Positively

No child is a model of perfect behavior. There will be times when they infuriate and frustrate you to a degree that shouting at them seems the only answer, but this will be counterproductive. Tell them what to do instead of telling them what not to do. Have realistic expectations and find something to praise. By avoiding confrontations, you will reduce negativity and fill your home with positivity.

Have a Structured Life

Being at home, you tend to forget your orderly life. This will burden you with never-ending chores. Have a schedule, even if it is flexible to a degree, and stick to it. Be a role model and practice what you preach. It is easier for children to follow an example than to follow an order.

Inculcate Hygienic Habits

COVID-19 has brought the aspect of hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette to the fore. Teach your children these practices and set an example. Tell them about the new measures, such as social distancing, avoiding body contact with others, wearing a mask when going out, avoiding crowds, etc., so that they will be prepared when lockdown is relaxed.

Play With Your Children

Allocate some time each day for play. It can be any game, educational or nonsensical, as long as you and your child enjoy it. If you have children in their teens, you can choose challenging games to keep them engaged and connected with you.

Protect Children From Online Predators

As children spend a lot of time browsing online, they may be at increased risk of cyberbullying. Set up parental controls, turn on SafeSearch on your browser, set up strict privacy settings, and cover webcams when not in use. Teach your children to protect personal information. Have strict no-device times and places. Maintain open communication with your children so that they come to you if there is any problem. Be vigilant to notice any changes in your child’s behavior.

Maintain Harmony

Children mirror us, so set an example. Talk kindly and use positive language, even when you disagree with others. Ask for help when you feel overwhelmed and share the load. Do fun things together to increase family bonding. Listen to others, as you want others to listen to you. Manage bad behavior with patience and positivity.

Manage Anger

No matter how hard you try, there will be moments when you lose your temper. Try not to vent it on the nearest person. When you get angry, take a 10-second break, leave the place, and give yourself time to cool down.

Tips to Keep Children Healthy This Summer

• Avoid too much activity in the terraces – When outdoor activity is limited, children play in the terraces, which can be very hot. Limit their time on the terrace.
• Give them fluids and water regularly – Children tend to forget hunger and thirst when playing. Keep an eye out and ensure they stay hydrated.
• Neighbourhood friends should also be kept at a safe distance.
• Supervise children’s activity.
• Avoid contact sports.
• Ensure that they wear masks at all times.
• Play indoor games with your children.
• Spend quality playtime with your children. Utilise this time to build lasting bonds

Keeping Students Exam-ready During Lockdown

The year 2020 has changed our lives, more so for our children. Students typically would have finished their school year and would be waiting for results or preparing for entrance exams. This year, however, they are still worrying over when their board exams will be held.

Here are a Few Tips to Keep Them Calm and Exam-ready

• If your child has online revisions, ensure he/she has a dedicated space for it
• If not, make a schedule for revising subjects
• Ensure that the study is limited to a particular time every day
• Allow the children to relax throughout the day through activities they enjoy
• Ensure they take regular healthy meals and stay hydrated
• Encourage them to take up meditation and yoga to stay calm
• Limit television and gadget time
• Avoid too many news programmes and fear-inducing talk shows
• Stick to government guidelines during lockdown to avoid infection
• Inculcate hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette at home so he/she is prepared when going for exams
• Keep a cheerful and positive atmosphere at home to keep your child in a good frame of mind
• A proper ‘Sleep-Wake Cycle’ is essential for brain development. Make sure they go to bed on time.

There is an opportunity in every calamity. Let’s work together to identify it and make the most of the time by building strong families.

Look After Yourself

Don’t forget to eat and sleep well. Have at least half an hour or ‘me’ time to restore your balance. If you are well-rested and healthy, you will have better energy levels to cope with high-spirited children without losing your cool.

Parenting during coronavirus throws up unique challenges. Equip yourself to meet them and make this a family bonding time. Emerge at the other end of lockdown with a closer and happier family.