It can be really hard and emotionally challenging to stay calm during the Coronavirus lockdown, especially if you have to look after children as well.

Being stuck at home is more stressful for children of all ages as schools and playgrounds have been shut down and they can no longer meet and play with their friends physically. For those parents who are working from home, it further adds to the complexity of the situation.

This is the time when children are on the verge of boredom and they need to be supported and loved by their parents more than ever before so that they can reduce stress and anxiety as well as utilize this time wisely.

Don’t wait for the situation to get more difficult, instead look to learn some interesting and creative ways to help children stay calm and happy in the time of social distancing.

Let’s get started!

1. Form A Routine

Set a weekly schedule for the children in order to keep things systematic.

Keep the same timings for each day like taking a bath, getting dressed, having breakfast, lunch or any other creative activities and so on.

This weekly plan helps children to be more productive at home and keep their mind occupied. However, avoid bombarding their schedules, instead allow time for some short breaks in between so that they feel relaxed.

It will also help you keep track of the things that your kids are enjoying and you can then share this with them.

2. Talk to Your Children

Children believe what they see and hear and as the Internet is full of information regarding Coronavirus, it is essential to teach them the difference between factual and fake news.

Kids want to be heard and loved. For that reason, you have to listen and communicate clearly with them now more than ever before.

Tell them that everything will be alright soon and give answers to all their questions where you can. It will help them to reduce their stress level and develop hope for the situation to improve.

3. Get Them Moving

Take advantage of this period to keep your children fit and healthy.

Though you cannot go out for play dates or to the park, working out at home is a great best opportunity that you shouldn’t miss out on.

Get your children into dancing, yoga, walking or any other physical activity which best suits their age group that they can enjoy.

You will find numerous home workout tutorials on YouTube or helpful apps that won’t require any equipment, which are simple to follow. Turn it into daily practice in order to keep your children active and energized during self-isolation.

4. Feed Healthy Food

Children can be vulnerable to viruses and infections. This makes it crucial to ensure they eat nutrient-enriched foods to strengthen their immune system and battle these infections.

Limit their consumption of unhealthy sugary and junk food as it has so many adverse health effects on their entire body.

Not only that, sugar addiction may cause mood changes, irritability and lethargy. It also increases the temptation towards sugary foods that can lead to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay as well.

Make sure their regular diet has healthy food items that will boost the immune system such as:

• Green Vegetables and Fruits
• Nuts and Seeds
• Plain Yogurt
• Immunity boosting food like spinach, garlic, mandarin, ginger etc.
• Fresh juices, lime water, or coconut water for hydration
• Healthy sweet alternatives like jaggery, coconut sugar, fruits, chemical-free juices

Educate your children about the importance of eating healthily, especially amid this time of crisis.

5. Video Call With Family/Friends

The Internet and other digital mediums are truly a blessing, especially when in quarantine. It keeps us connected to our loved ones and gives us the chance to see and talk to them when we can’t physically be with them.

This is a great way to keep children entertained too. Let them talk to their aunt, grandparents or school friends to lift their spirits and maybe learn something new along the way too. It also gives you the opportunity to talk with other parents and share tips on how best to handle certain situations.

6. Allow Your Child to Be Creative

Not all information and knowledge can be acquired through books alone.

Children can obtain it from many other activities too like games, e-learning, cooking, storytelling, colouring and much more. Let them choose the activities that they enjoy the most and share these creative experiences with them.

Encourage and support them to pick up any activity that makes them happy and satisfied. In fact, do not just sit and observe them doing this, use it as an opportunity to explore and be creative together

7. Set Screen Time

While the internet and mobile devices are incredibly useful, spending too much time on electronic media devices is linked to obesity, poor sleep cycles, bad vision, and many more long lasting health issues.

Children always reach out to electronic devices as a source of entertainment and comfort. All you need is to limit their screen time which should not exceed 20-30 minutes.

Obviously, as a parent, you should keep a watch to know the content that they are watching to ensure they are enjoying these devices safely.

8. Take Time For Yourself

Looking after your own well-being is just as important as that of your children. The isolation, overflow of information, upsetting news and monotony can make you anxious and worried as well.

With this in mind, do not forget to set aside some time to look after yourself. Coordinate with your partner to handle the children and give yourself some space to do things that make you happy and let you unwind.

Relax your mind simply getting some fresh air, painting your nails or reading your favourite book. Whatever it is that makes you happy, do it!

Final Thoughts

Kids can be more sensitive than adults so try to refrain from yelling and forcing them to do something as it will only make them more worried and irritable during these uncertain times.

Listen to their concerns and use any of the tips that we have shared above to easily cope with them, something that is extremely important right now.

Parenting will be easier if you remain calm and stay hopeful for the situation to get better. We hope this blog has been helpful to work with your children while quarantined!