Parenting in the time of COVID-19: Healthy parenting tips from WHO
The current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has drastically changed people's lives in a short amount of time.
Lockdowns and community quarantines are being imposed in many countries worldwide, forcing people to adjust to the new daily routine of staying home 24/7.
Certainly, the COVID-19 health crisis has transformed the way people study, work, communicate, conduct business, maintain relationships; and to a great extent, it has also altered the family dynamics, since most people are now confined to their homes for the time being.
And, the challenge of adapting to these huge changes while trying not to worry about the pandemic has probably made parenting a little more complicated than it already is.
So, the World Health Organization (WHO) shared some practical parenting tips, to help keep your relationship with your children healthy, while you protect yourselves from COVID-19 by staying at home.
One-on-One Time
There's a popular saying that goes, 'When life gives you lemons, make a lemonade'. So, now that you'll be spending lots of time at home with the family, grab this opportunity to actually spend quality time with your child.
According to WHO, it will make them feel loved and secure, and will also show them that they're important to you. If you have two or more children, make sure to allot one-on-one time for each of them. You can play with them, talk to them about their interests and hobbies; or if they're studying from home, you can help them with their homework.
Keeping it positive
It is hard to keep calm and positive, especially with the ongoing pandemic.
But, if you're going to be stuck at home with your kids, you wouldn't want to spend the whole day shouting at them or arguing with them, right?
So, promote positivity at home by speaking in a calm voice and tell your kids what behavior you want to see from them. Use words like "please" or "kindly," instead of 'don't'.
WHO also advises you to praise your child when they're behaving well. It will assure them that you notice and care, and it will encourage them to repeat the good thing that they've done.
Structure up
The COVID-19 pandemic has basically disrupted the daily routines that you and your family are used to. Since you are the leader of the pack, you need to step up and create a new one, so they don't feel lost and become unproductive or bored while on home quarantine.
Create a schedule with your children. Make sure to specify the time they'll spend for learning, eating, bathing, playing, exercising, etc. It's also important to make frequent hand washing and physical distancing a part of their new daily routine, so you can keep them safe from COVID-19.
What to do when they misbehave
It's inevitable for children to misbehave from time to time. They do so when they're hungry, afraid, frustrated, or uncomfortable. And, it's also only normal for you to sometimes lose your cool, especially when you're simultaneously dealing with other problems.
So, what should you do when your kids exhibit bad behavior? WHO advises you to redirect, use consequences, or take a pause.
If possible, curb the bad behavior even before it starts, by redirecting their attention to something positive, like telling them, "Come, let's play a game together."
If you weren't able to stop them from misbehaving, then impose a consequence for their bad deed, which doesn't involve shouting and hitting. Consequences will teach your children to be more responsible with their actions.
And, if you really feel like you're about to lose your temper, pause and take lots of deep breaths before you respond or react. This way, you can avoid saying or doing anything that may probably scar them for life.
Keep calm and manage stress
It is a stressful time for everyone. Know that you are not alone. Millions of people are worried and trying their best to bring a sense of normalcy at home despite all the uncertainties surrounding the pandemic. Don't be too hard on yourself as a parent.
WHO advises parents to take care of themselves, so they can better take care of their families. Find support from other parents, or from your friends and relatives. Take breaks during the day and be sure to do something fun and relaxing once the kids are asleep.
Hope these tips will make home life a bit easier during this time of great uncertainty. Stay at home, stay safe, and enjoy your time with your family.
Source: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/healthy-parenting
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