With the sudden change in our routines and lifestyles due to the COVD19 PANDEMIC, our lives can be thrown into a chaotic mess! If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed due to these circumstances, that is perfectly normal and good to feel, process and let go of. When it comes to the parenting part of isolation, we have listed four key tips to add to your new norm that can provide some comfort, feeling of accomplishment as well as predictability in these very unpredictable times. If you can try to provide these four basic areas with in the daily routine as best as you can, then this can definitely ease some of the overwhelm within the day when at home in isolation with the family.
4 TIPS FOR PARENTS TO EASE THE OVERWHELM DURING THE PANDEMIC
1.) PLAY - the importance of play is top priority in a child's life and one that is now more important than ever. During the pandemic, children can find the feeling of security, joy, peace and learning while playing. Examples of play would be building, pretending, exploring, movement or creating. Allow for multiple times during the day where a child is given 'free time' to do what they choose with no other interrupters or responsibilities.
2.) REST - most adults and children don't get enough adequate sleep and now is the time to catch up! It is also important for rest times during the day both physical rest and mental rest. An example would be taking a short nap, quiet time after lunch, a break to just be still (sit, pray or meditate) which all of these can allow our brains to re-boot, re-energize and cope much better with the stress all around. Allow for rest and sleep to be top priorities now.
3.) LEARN - learning can look a variety of different ways. Some children thrive with school work and projects while other children prefer more hands-on learning through experiments and exploring. An example would be cooking in the kitchen with kids where science, math and reading can be practiced during the experience. Which ever way your child learns best, allow for time during the day that they can engage in learning.
4.) SOCIALIZE - self-isolation does not mean social-isolation. We can maintain our very important connections through other ways besides touching or being close to each other. Some examples are phone calls, internet communications, social media, skype/facetime and extreme physical distancing are still a safe bet and very manageable. Allow for opportunities in the day where children can communicate with loved ones that do not live in the household with them.
4 TIPS FOR PARENTS TO EASE THE OVERWHELM DURING THE PANDEMIC
1.) PLAY - the importance of play is top priority in a child's life and one that is now more important than ever. During the pandemic, children can find the feeling of security, joy, peace and learning while playing. Examples of play would be building, pretending, exploring, movement or creating. Allow for multiple times during the day where a child is given 'free time' to do what they choose with no other interrupters or responsibilities.
2.) REST - most adults and children don't get enough adequate sleep and now is the time to catch up! It is also important for rest times during the day both physical rest and mental rest. An example would be taking a short nap, quiet time after lunch, a break to just be still (sit, pray or meditate) which all of these can allow our brains to re-boot, re-energize and cope much better with the stress all around. Allow for rest and sleep to be top priorities now.
3.) LEARN - learning can look a variety of different ways. Some children thrive with school work and projects while other children prefer more hands-on learning through experiments and exploring. An example would be cooking in the kitchen with kids where science, math and reading can be practiced during the experience. Which ever way your child learns best, allow for time during the day that they can engage in learning.
4.) SOCIALIZE - self-isolation does not mean social-isolation. We can maintain our very important connections through other ways besides touching or being close to each other. Some examples are phone calls, internet communications, social media, skype/facetime and extreme physical distancing are still a safe bet and very manageable. Allow for opportunities in the day where children can communicate with loved ones that do not live in the household with them.
* For more info on this topic or to learn more about our services - please contact us at Miss Behaviour: parenting coach & consultant services for a complimentary phone consultation at 778-996-6535 or info@missbehaviour.ca
www.missbehaviour.ca
* Learn more about Julie Romanowski - Mother, Coach, Leader, Educator, Author, Speaker & founder of Miss Behaviour: parenting coach & consultant services.
www.julieromanowski.com
www.missbehaviour.ca
* Learn more about Julie Romanowski - Mother, Coach, Leader, Educator, Author, Speaker & founder of Miss Behaviour: parenting coach & consultant services.
www.julieromanowski.com
