4. Ask parents to take good care
Parents and caregivers are entering into brand new territory and it’s okay to acknowledge that routines will be disrupted, things might go a bit slower than usual, and new challenges will arise.
But one thing is clear: helping parents and caregivers prioritise their health will benefit everyone over the next couple of weeks.
Here’s how to do it:
Stick to a consistent daily routine
Last week your learners’ parents had a work life and a home life. This week the lines have blurred. But there are ways to manage this change and support parents and caregivers. One of these ways is building daily routines.
Encourage your parents to print out a free daily planner. This plan can include a morning routine, lessons, chores, as well as physical activities. The plan can stop at the time parents or caregivers would usually get home, leaving time to switch off and enjoy some free time.
Encourage parents to get outdoors
While the World Health Organisation (WHO) is asking people to maintain social distancing and hand-washing measures, experts advise getting out for a walk or for some fresh air once or twice a day. Even short walks have been scientifically proven to boost your mood.
Look for ways to minimize stress
According to psychiatrist Judson A. Brewer, anxiety happens when our prefrontal cortexes don’t have enough information to predict the future accurately. Without accurate information, our brains go into overdrive, and we start relying on our senses of fear and dread.
But there are ways to ‘hack’ the emotions you may be feeling. Once you’re aware of your negative habits, you can actively shift to a more positive one.
For example, if you’re a person who touches their face in times of anxiety, Brewer advises taking a big breath in, and asking yourself when you last washed your hands? This helps our brains shift to what we do best: think. “Oh, I just washed my hands ten minutes ago.”
Pausing, even for a moment, gives our prefrontal cortex a chance to put things in perspective and think about any next moves.