Parenting already takes so much energy. For many of us who are going to be working and structuring our kids’ days at home, it’s adding a different layer of difficulty.
Laura Gray, clinical psychologist
Children’s National Hospital, Washington, D.C
For many New Zealanders, isolating at home is once again a reality. It’s more complicated now than it has ever been, accompanied by a very real fear of the isolation becoming cyclical – you have one case in your home and then after a few days another occurs and your 10 day isolation period starts again. It feels like you run the risk of getting on an isolation wheel you can’t get off!
It’s all about routine.
One of the key things to maintain during isolation, is a sense of routine as it enables children to feel a sense of continuity and minimises disruption to their lives. This helps reduce stress and ensures they still feel capable. And yes that does include chores if they are physically up for the challenge.
This routine, when isolating at home, should include some schoolwork during weekdays. Less is more here, as the goal is not to be the teacher, but to ensure kids feel they are still engaging in school and not falling behind, while at home. It brings them comfort to know that they are still participating. Teacher or class online meetings, if they are available, are also helpful for this purpose.
Head outdoors.
If your child is well enough, encourage movement and outdoor activity , as these aspects are key to both the physical and mental wellbeing of a child. A scavenger hunt is a good one! It ticks all the boxes for excitement and intrigue, is not too physically demanding and can give parents welcome downtime, while they search the garden for clues/treasure.
If the weather allows, encourage even sedentary play outside, even if it’s simply lego on the deck rather than in their room. Fresh air and sunshine is a great way for children to feel less confined while isolating at home.
Relax. Chill Out.
Relaxing activities are also important, to mitigate any stress children may be feeling during isolation or while ill with COVID-19. For older children (Year 5/6), they can do their own guided meditation or breathing exercises, with some guidance from Mum/Dad. For younger children You-Tube is particularly helpful, with the likes of kids yoga, which is good for movement too!
Encourage your kids to do puzzles and to read, as these take their minds off how they are feeling and also take them away from their sense of isolation.
Stay Connected.
During isolation it’s never more important for kids to stay connected. That means using technology that enables them to stay socially connected, a crucial part of both kids’ and parents’ mental health. Let your kids talk to each other on video chat. Let them cook with friends whilst on a video chat. It’s important they don’t feel left out, even though they’re isolating. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is a real danger so encourage them to catch up with friends after school in video chat so they can hear about what’s been happening. By doing this they will feel included.
Keep it fun.
Excitement is a wonderful distraction from being ill or being in isolation. So, make sure your kids have some exciting activities such as trendy books, puzzles or toys to enjoy. Look for things that perhaps link to online activities or games that they enjoy, as these usually have a fair amount of hype around them. For example, if they usually play Roblox or Minecraft online, look for other Roblox games, puzzles and books.
No need to do it tough!
With the extra burden of being at home, looking after the family and also continuing to work, things can get pretty tough. Playwise can help. Head online and order a Playwise Gift Box, filled with age appropriate toys, games, puzzles and books. We’ve researched them to be on-trend and therefore exciting and engaging for kids time after time.
Also, don’t feel guilty to include limited periods of screen time during home isolation. A bit of screen time is a welcome activity, when children are feverish or in distress. There is nothing quite like screen time to take you away from your troubles if only for an hour or two!
For the rest of the time, our toys in combination with screen time, can help create the perfect balance of healthy fun and distraction, during what is a challenging time for both parents and children alike.
And remember, our Playwise Boxes include activities that require minimum parental supervision – in most cases none at all. This leaves you free to carry on working, or to attend to other members of the family who may be ill, or to care for yourself, who may also need some recovery time!
Sources:
https://www.goodto.com/wellbeing/coping-with-kids-at-home-coronavirus-parents-533504
