Covid-19 and Children

 

We all know that this is a distressful time for all of us and especially children. As adults, we understand that we can’t go out like how we used to go, can’t talk to our friends in person and also there is a need to take all precautions. But it’s difficult for a child to understand these at times. Yes, they have a basic idea of what’s going on in the world, and it’s essential that till COVID exists, we must follow guidelines. But this takes a toll on their health, thinking and their social ties.

In this case, we need to ensure they stay healthy, happy and follow their routines. Here are a few points which I follow with my child, and I feel this can help you, too to achieve a calmer home environment keeping your child engaged in various activities.

1. We need to ensure children follow a proper routine consisting of their wake up, sleep, study and play hours. When we don’t have any restrictions to be somewhere on time, it’s easy to slip into a lazy mode. With school starting on, it is helpful to stick to routines, and we should use this opportunity. 

Set up a timetable for your child to sleep, wake up, exercise, play and study. You can involve them so that they feel it’s something they came up with you contrary to something imposed on them. They will be more excited to follow something which includes their suggestions.

2. Even if the child is not going to school, you need to make sure they follow the same morning schedule of taking a bath and dressing up for school. I know you think if they are at home, it is ok for them to wear something comfortable and easy. But if you dress them up how you send them to school, this will have a good impact on their entire day. Smartly dressing will help children get into the school mode, stay active and feel good compared to what they will feel when doing the school work in their pyjamas.

An experiment even you can try is when you are not well, try to wear something nice and make sure you groom yourself properly. Your attire will give a positive message to your brain that you are feeling good contrary to the dull and more tired feeling you experience when you are in your nightdress or a boring loose outfit.

3. Reward them whenever they do something excellent and admirable. Appreciations and rewards have a lot of power in driving people to do way better than they are capable of doing!

You can leave small post-it notes with inspiring lines for them.
Sometimes you can make something they like to recognize their efforts like their favourite dessert/milkshake/dish.

4. For keeping the momentum going on in the long run, I have an idea of boat jar. I have given my daughter a container. Whenever she completes a task correctly or does something extra or out of the box, I ask her to put a paper boat in that jar. Once the container gets filled, I award her with things she wanted since long.

I keep giving her a few goals. Whenever she achieves a target, she gets rewarded with a boat. Ex:

i) Exercise for 20 mins for four days
ii) Making a toy for her sister
iii) Learning a particular number table in Maths 

One day she made an excellent Lemonade stall and served all of us “nimbu pani”. She made a lovely carrier for her 20-month-old sister in which she can make her sit. It indeed even had a Manual! So if you can keep a driving force, you are helping them to be innovative.

5. Help them set up a proper school environment with dedicated space or room for them to attend their school meetings and do their school work.

i) Please arrange for a comfortable sitting arrangement for them.
ii) Teach them to keep their room clean a night before, so they are ready for school the next day.
iii) Ask them to have all the required stationery on table
iv) Ensure they are well fed before their class starts and maintain proper meal times
v) Avoid scenarios where they carry a snack to their desks.

I am sure you already had few tips and tricks to make this whole experience a happy one and am excited to read those in my comments. Hope these ideas help you give your children a sense of stability, consistency and enjoyable time.