Being a parent is not easy. It was a juggling act before COVID-19, and now with the stay-at home orders, it has become even more complicated. As many parents have already found these are difficult times, especially for those of us with young children for a myriad reasons.
It’s our jobs as parents to help our children navigate these unprecedented times and provide them with the love and support they need. Here are a few helpful tips to help your child understand what is going on, the importance of social distancing, and the added importance of washing our hands!
Here are some tips to help you talk to your child about this crisis and also maintain some fun while home:
Ask Them What They Know
Children are very perceptive and know when something is wrong. Many of them were in school hearing about the virus leading up to quarantine. Rather than acting like everything is fine, it is important to ask them what they know and how they feel about it.
This way we can offer our support, acknowledge their feelings, and help them learn about the situation. And once you know, you’ll see where there may be knowledge gaps. If you find, for example, your child needs more information on social distancing, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HTA3ql6uWY
Tell the Truth
It is very important to speak to your child honestly. Children know when you may be withholding information. While they don’t need to be glued to a screen and watching the news 24/7, as a parent it is important to find credible sources of information and share age-appropriate information with them. Here is a book that you may want to read with your child, “My Hero is You, How Kids Can Fight Covid-19”: https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/system/files/2020-04/My%20Hero%20is%20You%2C%20Storybook%20for%20Children%20on%20COVID-19.pdf
Reassure Them
Children are not going through this alone and they need to hear that this is, in fact, a global issue. Make it a point to tell them that the situation will be resolved, and until it is, you’ll be there protecting them and giving them all the care they need.
Aside from focusing on COVID-19, which can create a lot of anxiety in youth, having fun is also important. Kids do still need to be kids. So, The Center has gathered a list of activities and resources for you and your child to do during this time:
Virtual Museums
Many notable public institutions such as The Van Gogh Museum, British Museum, and many more have opened up virtual tours of their galleries. While your family may have had to cancel plans to London or elsewhere, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying a nice afternoon wandering the virtual halls filled with dinosaurs, volcanoes, and art.
Get Outside! (If Possible)
If you have a backyard, use it! There is no reason your kids can’t enjoy backyards and still have fun outside. And if you live far from other people take advantage of your situation and get the family together to go for a nice walk or run.
Learning Activities and DIY fun
For younger children who may not have a curriculum supplied by school, there are some incredible resources at your fingertips to keep them occupied and engaged. The Audubon Society (https://www.audubon.org/get-outside/activities/audubon-for-kids) can get you out and about safely or keep you inside and occupied for hours of fun. Or check out Scholastic Magazines Learn at Home Curriculum for students as young as PreK through 5th grade (https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html).
We know this is a stressful time for parents. However, by planning ahead, building a routine, and remaining truthful, you and your children can navigate this lifestyle adjustment with a little bit more ease.
References
https://commercialfreechildhood.org/social-distancing/
https://www.apa.org/topics/covid-19/quarantine-parents-tips
https://www.southernliving.com/syndication/museums-with-virtual-tours
https://www.mindheart.co/descargables