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April 17, 2020 • read
Parenting during COVID-19
Parenting just got a lot more complicated thanks to social distancing. Schools are closed, you’re working from home, and everyone in your home is living on top of each other. Here are some tips to manage the chaos and get your kids into the team spirit of beating COVID-19.
Set aside one-on-one time
Even though you’re at home all day with your kids, it’s hard to give each child individual, undivided attention, especially if you’re still working your 9-5 remotely. Set aside some time for each of your children where you’re not thinking about bills, news updates or obligations. Checking in with your kids one-on-one helps them feel loved and secure, even if their parents seem a bit worried right now.
Make hand washing fun
Hand washing is always an important habit to instill in kids, but it’s especially crucial these days. Make a fun routine out of your kids hand washing routine, such as singing a song, or rewarding points in an ongoing game.
Get daily exercise
Kids who have too much energy can get antsy and hard to corral. It’s tough for kids to focus on schoolwork or getting along with their siblings if they need to let off some steam. If you have a backyard, make time everyday for your kids to play, run around and get rid of some energy. In a condo, create a fun exercise routine that will tire your kids out. And if you need to go for a walk around the block, that’s ok too. Physical distancing doesn’t have to mean being housebound unless you’re feeling sick or have just come back from outside the country. But be sure to keep a safe distance (two meters) from others while outside.
Be a role model
You can teach your kids good habits, but they’ll only absorb the lessons if you’re leading by example. When it comes to washing your hands, staying positive and releasing your energy in a healthy way, make sure your kids can see you walking the talk. They’ll be inspired to follow suit.
Talk about COVID-19
Kids pick up on what’s going on around them, even if they can’t completely understand the details. Your kids have probably heard news headlines and chatter, all with conflicting information. Sit down with your kids and have an age-appropriate conversation about what COVID-19 is, how it’s affecting Canada, and what you as a family are doing to combat the virus. Your kids will feel like they’re part of a winning team. We’ve gathered a few tips for that here in case you’re not sure where to start.
Kids are attentive creatures. They might not be able to understand what exactly is going, but they’ll no doubt be experiencing new emotions. By setting aside quality time, staying physically active and being open to talking, you can help your kids adjust relatively smoothly.