The coronavirus outbreak has lead to a dramatic change in lifestyle for all of us. Schools are closed and parents are not only working from home, but are also homeschooling their kids. That’s a long day for everyone and is likely to result in more screen time than most would like. The last thing we want is to add more stress and anxiety for parents so it’s important they feel supported in their decision making. Here are some helpful hints:
- Have a schedule: Young children thrive on consistency. They also need to maintain consistent sleep. Keep bedtime and awake time relatively the same and have a schedule of what you will do each day. Have your kids help decide what activities will go in the schedule and don’t forget to include physical activity and down time, along with school work and chores.
- Academics: Get the scoop from your child’s teacher on what things they need to be working on and what resources may be available online for them to work off of. If there isn’t a current curriculum or plan from your school, look at the school’s website for links. You can also look at PBS or even museum and zoo websites for ideas.
- Social connectivity: Try to maintain contact with family and friends using social media or apps on your phone. Check in with elderly neighbors or relatives or set up virtual play dates. Try having a dance party with their friends or letting them do school work in groups.
- Non-academic screen time: It is inevitable that your child will just need some downtime to watch a show or play a game. Use Common Sense Media to help guide you to appropriate content and don’t forget to co-view or play games together with younger children. Look for online books or podcasts that might be interesting as well.
- Limits are still important: To help ease your child’s anxiety during stressful times, good healthy habits are extra important. While screen time might increase, you still want to make sure screen use isn’t interfering with your child’s sleep schedule, eating habits, exercise time, academic time, or getting chores done. You also want to be sure they are not overexposed to the news, which might be scary or hard to process.
- Don’t forget exercise: As the weather improves, it will be easier and easier to get kids outside and moving. Take walks, ride bikes or kick a ball around. Try incorporating lessons into a nature walk or go outside for art to find items that can be used for arts and crafts.
Overall, try to structure your days, make lists or goals, be creative and do your best. No one expects perfection right now.