Best care tips for parents to reduce stress in children during COVID-19 times

In such tough times of social distancing and isolation in most of the hours of a day due to COVID-19, it is even tougher for adults when it comes to parenting. We all know that children are much more vulnerable to feelings and circumstances, and the great shift in almost all their daily activities have left them a bit confused, with a sense of insecurity too.

However, right parenting can reduce such after-effects pretty effectively, which is why, we bring here some steps which one can follow to make their children fit and healthy, both physically and mentally, in such tough times of COVID-19:-

1. Have a healthy and free conversation with children – Children might not be mature enough to understand the grieve consequences of COVID-19 as good as adults, however, they are equally prone to loneliness, depression, and anxiety. There might be a lot of shift in their daily plans and activities due to social distancing, like playing outdoors in groups, celebrating birthdays, going for picnics, etc. It is the foremost duty of parents to indulge in free and easy discussion with them even more in such times.

2. Limit their screen time – Due to reduction in other activities mentioned above, children are more attracted to electronic devices like mobile phones, tablets, and televisions in order to pass their time, by watching shows or playing video games. This might have adverse health consequences for them, like obesity or eye weakness. Encourage them to develop interest in other creative hobbies like painting or giving them knowledge about other works like household chores.

3. Create a periodic schedule for them – Encouraging your children to follow a particular time table for all their chores or work will make them more aware of time management, discipline, and punctuality. Make them learn that all the scheduled works like studies, play-time, and meals should be pursued as per the assigned time, and while letting them do so, try your best to give company to them.

4. Have more indoor group activities – While the children are in their growing stages, it is easier to make them learn about their responsibilities. In these times of social distancing, it is a good opportunity to have group activities among all your family members. In this, you can divide all the different types of your daily chores and works, which will not only reduce the involved time as a whole but is regarded as a good way of parenting too.

5. Make them more physically active – Making your children learn the importance of physical activities like exercises and sports will keep them active and healthy in their long run. Instead of making them sit in front of screens most of the time, encourage the children to indulge in playing sports like badminton and do regular exercises which are adaptable as per their age.

6. Follow a balanced diet – These days of social distancing can be turned beneficial for children, by making them learn the benefits of home-cooked food over the junk food which children love to eat outside. Encourage your children to have a balanced diet and foods which are low on sugar levels and preservatives.

7. Make them learn socializing – In the current modern era, the children are not as close to their relatives or grandparents, as before. Make them learn the importance of socializing with your relatives and friends, through electronic media like video calls and phone calls. This will not only make their socializing skills better but will also lead to a healthier relationship will all the people who matter in their lives.

8. Leave no room for sadness at home – While each and every family has a set of struggles to cope up within their own, it is advisable to make the children prone to these struggles and difficulties as low as possible. Try to create a healthy and fun environment at home by staying together and doing all the works together, like watching good laughter-oriented or knowledge-oriented shows on television, playing fun games, having meals, etc.

9. Seek professional help if necessary – Stress and depression are much common these days as compared to before. If you yourself are suffering from high anxiety and overstrain, it is requested that you first take care of yourself to the fullest by consulting with a trained professional or psychiatrist, which will eventually help you more for taking care of others.