FIVE TIPS FOR PARENTS DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK

Can’t go to work? Schools closed? Worried about money? It is normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed due to the sudden changes in our lives. Instead of focusing on the bad, use this opportunity to strengthen and enhance our relationship with our children. Here are some parenting tips for you during this COVID-19 outbreak.

Tip #1: Spend some quality time together

Staying at home does not mean there will be ample of free time. Some parents are still working from home. Some may be busy cooking or doing household chores. However busy you are, set aside at least 20 minutes of quality time for your children. Quality time means that you’re there with them 100% without any distractions. Read a book together, sing, dance, play games, help them with their homework. You will realize how easy it is to please a child.

Tip #2: Keep it positive

Children can’t stay quiet all the time – simply because it is not in their nature to do so. There is no point in just saying “Stop doing that” or “Stop fighting”. If you want them to listen, tell them in a positive manner and praise them when they do it right.

Tip #3: Structure up

Everyone has to have a routine in life. Without it, life would seem aimless. Make a daily schedule and do include exercise as well.

Tip #4: Dealing with bad behavior

WHO recommends 3 steps to deal with bad behavior. Firstly, catch it early, redirect or distract. If that does not work, take a 10-second pause and breathe in and out slowly 5 times before responding calmly. Lastly, give your child a choice to follow and the consequences if they don’t.

Tip #5: Keep calm and manage stress

You can refer to my previous article on Dealing with Anxiety for this.

This must be one of the longest one-on-one time that we have with our children. If we fill it with love, care and affection, this period will be part of their fondest childhood memory.

I find the parenting tips from WHO and UNICEF particularly helpful and have attached them into this post. Let’s take a look.