COVID-19 Lockdown Parenting Tips

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 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 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 cyber bullying. 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 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.

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 corona 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.