In the past year, we’ve all been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our lives changed drastically, and most of us started working from home. Lockdown was introduced in many countries worldwide, and that meant that our children had to stay in as well. Being a child is difficult enough, but when things you don’t understand are happening, it can also affect your mental health. If you’ve been struggling with explaining to your child why they have to stay in and why they are not allowed to see their friends continue reading. Use our tips and tricks to try and make this situation better for your children and help them go through the pandemic and the lockdown.
Try to explain things the best you can
The first thing you need to do is explain what is happening the best you can. Keep open communication with your children, and remember they understand things far better than you think. Depending on their age, use different ways to tell them what is going on, and don’t forget to reassure them this is going to pass.
Virtual playdates
Your child needs to spend time indoors, and probably alone, more than they have ever spent in their whole lives. Not being able to play with their friends can be scary and your child may think you are punishing them for something they did. Explain why they cannot play with their friends, and try to organize virtual playdates. Keep the camera on, and let your child do things with their buddies, even if it is through the screen.
Teach them the basics on how to protect themselves
One of the most important things you can do is teach your children how to stay safe. Teach them how to wash their hands properly, why they need to keep a social distance, and why they must take their clothes off as soon as they get back home. Do things one at a time, and don’t forget to lead by example. Use songs and tunes to count the time they need to be washing their hands, and use their toys to make things more enjoyable and easier to learn.
Encourage them to share their feelings
Let your child know that it is okay to feel all the things they are feeling. Whether it is anger, fear, or even if they feel worried, those are normal emotions. You should never dismiss the things they are feeling, and you should encourage them to express their opinion. Let them ask questions, and let them talk about what they are going through. Be their support and be a shoulder to cry on.
Keep the routines
Try to keep as many routines going as possible. Wake your children up at the time they would’ve been up for school, have them brush their teeth and put new clothes on, and try to keep things as they would usually be.
Even though they are not going to school now, make sure they learn new things, follow the online classes, and give them their usual TV or PC time.
Do things with them
The most important thing to do is to do things with your children. Whether it is watching a new movie, teaching them how to cook, or just going on a walk together, do it. Get creative, get crafty, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Have fun and know that these things will help you as much as they help them.
Remember to reassure them that this is temporary, but they can feel all they want to feel. Introduce fun and games in as many things as possible, and be patient. To make things a bit easier, experiment with different masks, and let them choose their own masks. Things will get better in time, but you need to tackle the issues as they come until then.
