Don't sound anxious, indulge in life skills: How to ensure kids feel loved, supported during this time

Being confined to your home can be very constricting, especially for children who are using to spending a large part of the day with their friends at school. If your child is struggling with their school temporarily closing down, parties or events they were looking forward to being cancelled and feeling distant from their friends, here are a few ways you can help them feel loved and supported during this time.

Don’t Brush Their Fears Aside
Parul Ohri, Founding Member, Momspresso.com recommends being upfront with your children and broaching the subject of coronavirus head-on.

“The most important thing is to make sure you address the topic and not just brush it aside as something they are too young to understand,” she said. “They would (probably) already know about the virus from their peers and the Internet and are certain to be worried. Having their questions dismissed by their parents is certain to make them worry more. So instead, take cues from your child and give them age-appropriate answers, without sounding anxious yourself.”


Start With The Basics
Ohri believes that children need to clearly understand why we are all forced to be indoors and how staying indoors can help save lives. “Once they understand the reasoning, you will be surprised at how much more willing they will be to comply.”

She recommends also educating them on how the infection spreads and the importance of proper hand hygiene and social distancing.

“Keep them updated about the steps your household, your residential community and the government is taking to keep the infection to the minimum. Be upfront if you don’t have the answers to all their questions, but involve them and search for facts together, only on credible websites online like the WHO website. Most importantly, reassure children that they are safe and need to continue to practice the restrictions to remain safe.”

Teach Them Life Skills
Besides teaching them not to worry, how can parents help children cope with being confined to their homes? Ohri recommends a combination of routine, chores, learning, fitness, and fun.

“Most schools have started online classes for the new session. In case your child’s school has not yet done so, check with the teacher about the work plan for the term and get guidance on how they would like you to initiate learning at home. There are many online resources specific for every class and education board that you can access free of cost.”

In cases where children are too young for school or the school hasn’t asked for a proper learning structure to be implemented at home, Ohri believes parents shouldn’t stress too much.

“In a global emergency, it is alright if children miss a few days of lessons. Instead, this is a great opportunity to engage them in activities that teach life skills and I cannot overemphasise the role household chores play in this respect. Go with the flow and use conversations, rest, play, companionship and moments of joy as your tools to teach and learn.”