Helping children during this difficult time
1. Corona conversations with children
Children can get worried or anxious easily. So, it is very important how we share important information with them, like the current COVID-19 situation. One needs to be careful about the words chosen, the tone and the message to be delivered. As parents, it is crucial that you stay calm and use simple words to explain it to them about what is going on around them. And, make sure you don’t create any stress or panic in the child. Clarify any questions they might have. Most importantly, end the conversation on a positive note. Here is the link that explains very nicely how you can have corona conversations with your kids:
https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-kids-guide.html
2. Help them establish a routine
These are extraordinary times when all our routines have gone for a toss. Having a routine gives a sense of purpose and direction and is linked with better productivity. Therefore, we have to put in efforts to make sure we have basic routines in place. Encourage children to have a consistent wake-up and bedtime. Make a time table for yourself and help children make one for themselves.
3. Develop a hobby
Studies show that hobbies help in developing essential skills like patience, confidence and self-esteem. It helps one in becoming a balanced and well-adjusted person. Children must be encouraged to inculcate hobbies from an early age.
An additional advantage of engaging in hobbies is that you are very less likely to waste time in other negative activities. So, go ahead and help your child discover his talents and interests.
Here are some interesting options:
# Brush up your cooking skills
# Try your hand at Calligraphy
# Learn the art of needlework
# Write a play or short scripts
# Write a song
# Choreograph a dance routine
4. Manage digital media effectively
Encourage your child to use digital media for productive activities like joining online courses, taking virtual zoo or museum tours, using YouTube for revision of concepts or learning new skills.
Discuss with them the ill effects of media that young minds can be vulnerable to, like anxiety due to constant comparisons with beautified lives of others on social media platforms or disrupted routine due to excessive hours wasted online.
Help them set a reasonable time limit to use digital media and keep them informed about privacy and precautionary measures.
5. Refine those creative skills
Be it art & craft, music, dance, cooking, or any other interests, there is a wide range of formative videos and material to learn from. So help your child learn something new everyday!
You could also encourage your child to maintain a diary for the same, wherein he can write and record what he is learning everyday.
This will help in retaining information longer and the child can anytime go back and revise the notes.
6. Develop a sense of responsibility and empathy in children
You can help them see how hard every member is working and how they can contribute so that no one gets overloaded with work. Let them take ownership of few tasks. Let them manage a particular task all by themselves. Tell them it’s okay to make mistakes and encourage them to learn from their mistakes.
Create a balance of learning and fun at home and make beautiful memories with your children during this special phase of life.
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