The COVID-19 pandemic is difficult for adults, but especially for young children. The health protocols followed by society at large can trigger stress and anxiety. Because they’re too young to process what’s happening around them properly, they might suddenly misbehave or lose interest in things that used to make them happy.
While they might not be able to grasp the pandemic the way you do, you must explain it to them in a way that they’ll understand. One of those ways is by pointing out the importance of their lungs since the coronavirus primarily causes respiratory problems. The better they understand the significance of their lungs, the better they’ll be able to follow health protocols and appreciate the safety of your home.
Use Resources that Appeal to Them
You don’t have to be a biology teacher to pull it off. You don’t even need to know every part of the lungs because it’s unlikely your children will remember everything, too. Start by brushing up on your knowledge by watching online resources for children that tackle this topic. Do some extra readings in case they have questions.
Above all, pick resources that engage your children’s specific learning style. Are they visual learners? Show them a fun video on your phone. Do they absorb information better through reading? Order a book online. Make a game out of it, and don’t make it feel like they’re in the classroom being forced to listen to their teacher. This might not be a one-time event, given children’s attention spans and shifting moods. As with everything, keep your cool and try again tomorrow.
Sign Them Up for Lessons
Active involvement is a great way for children to truly absorb information. One of the simplest and funnest ways to teach them about the importance of lung care is by signing them up for singing lessons.
Singing is an activity that makes them more aware of their breathing and lung capacity. Music teachers will explain to them that singing strengthens their lung muscles and helps them develop healthy breathing patterns. Since they’ll want to do better, they’re more likely to have an interest in taking care of their lungs. It will also make them more inclined to listen to what you have to say about the matter.
Be a Good Influence
Your frustration over the pandemic is understandable. Wearing masks and physical distancing aren’t always comfortable protocols to adhere to, yes. Expressing these frustrations in front of your children, however, do little to help them. When they’re stressed because you are, they’re not going to be receptive to your biology lessons.
Be a good influence on your children and show you’re interested in taking better care of your lungs. Doing away with habits like smoking is difficult, but when they see your dedication, they’ll be better able to make a sincere effort towards achieving healthier lungs. Otherwise, they’ll perceive the contradiction in your words and actions as a sign that they can abuse their lungs and get away with it.
Important Life Lessons
The pandemic taught people many lessons, and it’s your responsibility as a parent to pass down those lessons to your children. Now that schools are closed and distance learning is the new normal, you’ve become their primary teacher and role model. The future of their health depends on the lessons you instill in them while they’re still young.