People around the world are reeling under the effects of the global pandemic. More so, children are the worst sufferers. It has already been a year since they stopped going to school. And still, there seems to be no respite from all the boredom. Schools are not being able to decide whether to open or not. The main reason is an unvaccinated child population. With parents going out for work, the children are left in the care of grandparents or are by themselves.
You, as adults, are a role model for children. So, they will be emulating your reactions. So, it lies upon the parents to handle the entire situation pleasantly. Teaching children about the norms of social distancing and sanitization is something you have to take care of. Moreover, with offices opening up, you have to balance home and work.
These are a few things you can do to give your children a better lifestyle in a changing world.
Be Aware of Your Words
You have to discuss the pandemic very skillfully in front of the children. Your words can scare your children. Pick the right words. It is essential to spread the right information but in a camouflaged manner. Explain to them the social distancing protocols and how you all have to take care of each other. Be conversant with them about the dos and don’ts. However, reassure them that it is all going to be over soon. Moreover, tell them about the vaccines for children that are in the pipeline.
Arrange Fun Events at Home
Always exude a positive response in the most unstable situations. Organize happy events and celebrate all the occasions. Children are stuck at home with online classes. Moreover, most parents are not allowing their children to play outside with their peers. It is also affecting children psychologically. You can also think of more creative ways for your teenage children, such as socializing over the internet. Better still, encourage them to join hobby classes. It may be something that they could not engage in while busy with school. Now, they can try them out.
Take Care of Their Health Care
As parents, you have to keep a tab on your children’s medication and well-being. Today, there are numerous vaccines enlisted for toddlers. So you should ensure to keep track of that. Pediatric medical clinic visits should not be compromised owing to restrictions. These are essential services that you have to take care of at all times. Check your child’s vaccination schedules, and be on time.
Ensure to make them wear a mask when you take them to the clinic. Inculcate this practice without any hindrance. This should see the youngsters and the older generation moving forward healthily.
Monitor TV and Social Media Engagements
You should monitor how much time your children are spending watching TV or on social media. It is detrimental to their psyche. Many media channels spread the false news about Covid-19. Such misappropriation may be unhealthy for children. It may increase their anxiety levels. You can also find your children getting confused.
If you find any misinformation reaching your children, find the source and stop it immediately. It is more so for teenagers. They sometimes know too much. However, they may not be in a state to segregate the good from the bad yet. Talk to your children about facts. Get them engaged in other activities, if possible.
Stay in Touch with School
You need to keep in touch with your ward’s school. Talk to the class teacher during online sessions. Always read the communications that the school sends online or as messages. If you have teenagers, ask them about the latest developments. Moreover, you ought to keep track of your ward’s assignments and online examinations, too. Build a rapport with the teachers so that you can get all the necessary help for the forthcoming months. You can also address your concerns about schools reopening in a month or two.
Monitor Mental Health
As a parent, you must take care of the physical and mental well-being of your children. Most children manage it quite well. However, some do not. They may develop some underlying disorders as well. It is vital for you as parents to look into it. Anxiety and depression are common ailments during these times. These have also driven some children to suicidal tendencies. Look out for the signs of such issues.
For toddlers, too much thumb-sucking and bed-wetting may be a cause for concern. Elementary school children become aggressive and develop poor concentration when faced with such issues. Teenagers have sleeping and eating disorders. If you can keep a tab on these, that’s half the battle won.
So keep practicing these to give your children a healthy and happy life. The pandemic is still raging, but you must keep and stay protected.