5 Ways To Help Your Child Thrive During Isolation
We all know that keeping busy and active during isolation is just as important for kids as it is for adults. Children who are used to the routine of school and structured activities may be finding this time especially difficult. Luckily there are many ways you can help your child stay happy and engaged while still remaining safe at home.
Implement routines
The loss of a regular schedule can be difficult to process for a child. By maintaining regular schedules, you can help bring a sense of structure to their day. Involve your child by inviting them to help you establish a routine, which may include outside time, schoolwork, reading, meals, exercising, chores, and family activities.
Let them explore their interests
Now is a perfect time for your child to learn more about a subject that is outside of their normal schoolwork. Letting your child build their own independent learning project can spark creativity, and can help develop essential skills through reading about, experimenting, and researching something that they are really passionate about.
Schedule family fun time
Spending time together helps everyone in the family feel less isolated. Ideas include family game night, movie night, craft night, a family dance-off, or bake-off. This also allows the child to look forward to events in the near future.
Get outside
Social distancing doesn’t have to mean staying inside all the time. If you are lucky enough to have a back yard, spend some time out in the sunshine. Nature is a natural stress antidote and fresh air will help your whole family feel better and sleep better. If you don’t have an outdoor space of your own, take a family walk around the block or to the park, just avoid the playground as it isn’t sanitized. Instead, you could kick a ball around, build a stick fort, or play tag.
Use screen time sparingly
There are a lot of freely available resources online right now to keep your child entertained, but taking time away from the screen is as important as it always has been. Use screen time as a way to keep them engaged when you need time for yourself, such as during a conference call or when making dinner. This article has some great suggestions for alternative activities for kids to do when they are bored.
Reach out if you need extra support
The Therapy Centre has skilled Psychologists, Social Workers and Psychotherapists who effectively treat a variety of issues that may arise from the COVID-19 situation including fears, health anxiety, how to manage uncertainty and how to increase ones tolerance for the unknown.
At The Therapy Centre we are now offering Telehealth services including secure phone sessions and videoconferencing.
Our offices are located at 2525 Old Bronte Road in Oakville and 849 Upper Wentworth Street in Hamilton-just minutes from the QEW and easily accessible from Peel Region, Halton Region, Halton Hills, Stoney Creek and Niagara Region.
Sources:
https://www.ahaparenting.com/parenting-tools/family-life/lockdown-kids-busy-corona
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/free-online-events-activities-kids-at-home-coronavirus
https://www.ahaparenting.com/blog/were-all-suddenly-homeschoolers
https://www.ahaparenting.com/parenting-tools/intelligent-creative-child/boredom-busters-good-for-kids
https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/peaceful-parenting/202003/keep-child-thriving-during-the-covid-19-pandemic
https://www.vancouvermom.ca/health-and-wellness/covid-19-schedule/
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