We are forced to stay indoors, limiting our social, academic and working life. Under these circumstances, we must not only reorganize our own lives, but also those of our children. The question is how to best address this challenge.
Last update: January 28, 2022
The Coronavirus crisis forced us to face extraordinary circumstances. Most of the population works from home, all commercial activities not considered essential are closed, the little ones (and not only them) cannot go to school. If the situation itself is difficult to manage, being a parent in the days of COVID-19 becomes a real challenge.
Many parents have had to reconcile teleworking with childcare at home, they have had to face everyday problems and problems emotions that are difficult to manage, as well as organizing the activities of the little ones.
All of them are advised to maintain their usual rhythms of life as much as possible, but parents in the time of COVID-19 have to deal with specific aspects. Let's see which ones together.
Advice for parents in the time of Covid-19
Many experts have expressed themselves in this regard: playful activities to be carried out at home, inform children about the situation in the correct way, adapt to new educational rhythms ...
To help you face this period in the best possible way, we have compiled a list of the most relevant aspects to best play the role of parents at the time of COVID-19.
As a first general advice and valid for everyone it is essential to respect the spaces and emotions of the little ones. They too will feel frustrated and perhaps it will be even more difficult for them to understand the reason for this situation. Put yourself in their shoes and show understanding and support.
Maintain the routine
One strategy to overcome this crisis is establish and follow a timetable. For children, it is important to have fixed times for bedtime and activities.
The routine doesn't have to be too rigid, just set a time to wake up, eat and go to bed. Thanks to this, the future will seem more predictable to them, reducing uncertainty and stress.
The ideal would be follow, as far as possible, the rhythms of the school. School hours can be used to carry out the tasks assigned by the teachers, always alternating the study with moments of pause.
It is equally important to establish rules not to disturb parents while they work, except for necessary cases. Everyone will thus be able to devote themselves to their business in a concentrated manner.
Be creative
In such a situation it is It is important to add new activities as well. It could be an opportunity to bring out the board game they gave you recently or finish the puzzle you started.
The ideal is to also include some physical activity during leisure hours. It will be an optimal way to release tension, find new stimuli and consume energy.
A good way to stay active is to ask children to invent new games and come up with new ideas. But also playing their usual games, but changing a few rules.
Learn to manage anxiety
The state of mind of parents at the time of COVID-19 naturally affects children as well. It is therefore essential that parents learn to manage anxiety and worries. We must avoid catastrophic thoughts and focus on finding alternative solutions.
In the face of daily tension and normal fears, it is important not to lose the right perspective, therefore, children should be involved only when necessary. In moments of greatest distress, it is best to retire to a secluded room and unplug for a moment.
During this quarantine period, it is also important to limit access to information and news to a set time per day. This will avoid unnecessary moments of tension and worry.
To make plans
Even if we are confined to the house, we must continue to make plans. It can set one day a week to carry out some special activity. Involve the children in planning the activities, they will have a lot of fun!
For example, you can decide to make a new recipe every weekend or simulate a playground. The important thing is to interrupt the routine from time to time, so that everyone can breathe a breath of fresh air.
Parents in the time of Covid-19: adopting the right attitude
Parenting in the days of COVID-19 is no easy task. The most important thing, though, is always face everything with a positive attitude. Finding different perspectives from which to interpret the situation can be a key to success for all family members to overcome it to the fullest. For example, instead of saying "what a rage not being able to go to the park", try saying "I'm glad to be able to spend more time at home with you".
È an opportunity to enjoy the time we usually don't have available. Use it to get to know your children better, to do new things with them and to teach the little ones to manage emotions such as frustration and boredom. We are sure that you will come out more united.
