To help contain COVID-19, many colleges are moving kids to online learning at home. Additionally, many parents are being asked to work from home. These forms of social distancing are necessary to help slow the spread of the virus and prevent overloading the healthcare system. But a lot of families face new challenges: how do we care for our kids while still working and schooling at home, and not panic during this unprecedented outbreak? The very first thing: take a deep breath. Know that we’re all in this together. And together we’ll get it through.
Here is a few other advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics to assist you to deal with this new ordinary before the virus is under control. Slow the spread. It might be tempting to get children together for play dates or sleepovers, but this should be avoided. Social networking only works if we all take part. And slowing down or preventing the spread of the virus will save lives.
Protect grandparents. This is not the time to visit grandparents or ask them to assist with childcare obligations. They are at higher risk of serious disease with COVID-19 and shouldn’t increase that risk by being around kids who can be ill with moderate symptoms.
Besides, they might feel alone or disconnected through social distancing maintain communications through telephone calls, text messaging, or video chats. Keep a routine. Since changes in routine might be stressful, so it’ll be useful to speak with your children about why they’re staying home and what your daily structure will be through this time. Let them help make a daily schedule that may hang on the fridge or somewhere they can see it. Make sure to include breaks from telework or schoolwork to unwind and connect with each other.
Here are a few ideas to assist you make daily routine: wake up, get dressed and have breakfast in the standard time. Decide where everybody may do their work and without distractions. List the time for training, exercise, and breaks. For younger kids, 20 minutes of class assignments followed by ten minutes of physical exercise might work well. Teens and older children can be capable to concentrate on assignments for longer stretches, taking breaks between subjects. Include your own hours as well, so your kids know when the workday is done. Schedule time for nutritious lunches and snacks.
Many colleges are supplying take home school meal packages for pupils who need them. Do not forget mid-day breaks as well! Have dinner together as a family and discuss the day. Enjoy family time in the evenings, playing, reading, watching a movie or exercising together. Stick with regular bedtime routines as far as possible throughout the week to make sure everybody gets enough sleep.