The COVID-19 pandemic caused many unfortunate and unwanted circumstances that forced people to stay confined to their homes and step out only for essentials and emergencies. Majority of the offices and schools shifted to their homes. Homes became the new workplaces, schools, and venues for virtual gatherings. Work from home for adults and remote learning for children became the new norms of life.
Attempts to curtail the spread of COVID-19 infection such as isolation and social distancing measures are beyond normal experiences for children during their growing and socializing ages. Children and adolescents are becoming vulnerable to a range of mental distress and behavioral problems such as, stress, anxiety, loneliness, feeling of helplessness, irritability, and anger. During these testing times of uncertainty, the onus is now on the parents and other adults at home to provide their children with the attention and extra love and care to ensure the physical, intellectual, emotional, and psychological wellbeing of their children.
Discussed in this article are a few measures that every parent and adult can implement as a part of their daily routine. These measures will help keep the children engaged throughout the day with activities and strike a healthy balance between physical and mental wellbeing.
1. Encourage your child to be involved in art, craft, and DIYs (Do-it-yourself). Art and craft are effective in increasing concentration, attention to details, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination. The next Picasso might be just under your roof.
2. Introduce your child to reading and writing. Reading will help your child build vocabulary and comprehension, and writing may help your child discover their creativity and your child may emerge as the next best-selling author.
3. Include your child in chores and cooking. Helping you with the chores and cooking will help your child develop self-help skills, making them independent and self-reliant. You never know what magic dish your child will pull out of their chef’s hat.
4. Exercise your child’s brain. Engage your child in games puzzles (jigsaw, crossword, math and logic puzzles), chess, Rubik’s cube that require deep thinking and critical thinking. These games provide good brain exercise and enhance your child’s reasoning and logical thinking.
5. Bond over family time. Spend some time together as a family. Have fun family bonding activities such as antakshari, dumb charades, or card games without the distraction of work, gadgets or chores. A good family time strengthens the parent-child bond and instills trust and sense of security in your child.
6. Connect over call. Staying at home for an extended period may be daunting and make your child feel lonely and depressed. Make the best use of technology. Friends, family, and loved ones are now just a call away. Connect over a call with distant family or set-up virtual play dates with friends.
7. Encourage your child to develop hobbies and interests. This will help your child discover their passion.
8. Engage in physical and outdoor activities. Encourage exercises, yoga, and meditation at least once or twice a week and engage in outdoor activities such as gardening, a walk in the garden, car-wash, etc.