Parenting in Isolation
How to navigate through these unprecedented times as a parent
- Written by Shani Kaplan
It is hard enough keeping ourselves sane and calm during this global pandemic, but for many, this isolation also entails trying to keep your child/children entertained, informed, protected, and happy.
In light of this, we have combined the best resources and tips from our Truth parents, along with GOVT advice, to get our followers with children through these times. We hope this helps you navigate this incredibly challenging time.
Look after your self first
For most parents, the ‘children come first’ mentality is an inbuilt mechanism. But in a time like this, it is crucial that you allocate time for self-care and coping strategies. You cannot show up for others if you are not okay yourself. And more importantly, children are very attuned to your energy and will pick up on your panic and anxieties. However, if you respond calmly and confidently, your children will be more inclined to follow this. So, follow along here with our top tips to make sure you’re showing up for yourself.
Listen and Acknowledge
Being present and letting your children know you are there and understand where their fears are emerging from, is just as important as giving reassurance. Allow them to voice their fears and feel their feelings first. Also, be aware that children deal with stress and fear in different ways. They may resort to other emotions such as anger, clinginess, or become more withdrawn. Look out for these shifts in behaviour and try not to react to it in an impatient or angered way; instead, give them extra attention and time.
Be transparent to a point
Children, by nature, are curious and want to be in-the-know. Communicate with them and let them know the important points without over-detailing. To avoid too much exposure to the myriad of complex information on their devices, which could quickly lead to fear, keep their social media/phone usage limited. Truth Mum, Anne, says “I only allow the kids to spend 2 hours on their gadgets.”
What you should explain:
Safe distancing - teach children about appropriate distancing - for themselves and for others. When they are venturing outdoors or in the supermarket with you during the government-sanctioned time, make sure they stay near you and are very aware of the distancing rules.
Handwashing - ensure they understand the 20-second hand wash guideline - perhaps count out loud, turn it into a song, or distract them. If you have toddlers, give them a lot of praise when they are washing their hands.
Extra tip from Anne - “I found child-friendly illustrations on social media about COVID-19, I showed them to my curious 9-year old and made sure he got a better understanding of the pandemic. His fears were gone as soon as he gained an understanding of the virus.”
Be transparent to a point
Children, by nature, are curious and want to be in-the-know. Communicate with them and let them know the important points without over-detailing. To avoid too much exposure to the myriad of complex information on their devices, which could quickly lead to fear, keep their social media/phone usage limited. Truth Mum, Anne, says “I only allow the kids to spend 2 hours on their gadgets.”
What you should explain:
Safe distancing - teach children about appropriate distancing - for themselves and for others. When they are venturing outdoors or in the supermarket with you during the government-sanctioned time, make sure they stay near you and are very aware of the distancing rules.
Handwashing - ensure they understand the 20-second hand wash guideline - perhaps count out loud, turn it into a song, or distract them. If you have toddlers, give them a lot of praise when they are washing their hands.
Extra tip from Anne - “I found child-friendly illustrations on social media about COVID-19, I showed them to my curious 9-year old and made sure he got a better understanding of the pandemic. His fears were gone as soon as he gained an understanding of the virus.”
Give them extra love & attention
Right now is the time to be present and for plenty of one-on-one time. Whether that consists of lots of talking; exercising together; cooking together; art and crafts; watching a movie; or doing homework together; bonding through a crisis is a sure-fire way to help them feel safe and loved.
Keep a routine
Keep a similar routine to a normal week. One that involves learning, play, relaxation; and is structured, but with a bit of wiggle-room. Try to keep the same sleep and wake-up time, education hours, and breaks for play and activities. Anne says, “I added some tasks to their daily household chores to fill some of the extra time.” Children need routine, which is difficult as we navigate through a time when everybody’s routines have been severely compromised. But adapting to a new routine is essential. Routine gives children the feeling of safety in times of uncertainty.
Find learning resources - Make sure to communicate with your children's school and find out the resources they offer so that your child doesn't stress about falling behind. The National Literacy Trust also launched an online zone. Remind them that every child is in this together and the education system will work this out.
Kindness & compassion
It is so important that younger children understand COVID-19 and the spread; and older children understand the importance of following the guidelines set out for everyone. What is even more essential is to teach children kindness. In these times, a smile to strangers can go a long way, as can compassion to those sick and also worried. And showing gratitude to health care assistants and those working to keep us all healthy and fed is crucial. Teach them the negativity that comes from impatience, rudeness, and judgement in these times.
Ensure the family works as a team
“We come together as a family when times get tough and our strength comes from our love and closeness,” says Truth Dad, Ryan.
If you are a two-parent household, be sure to show up for one another as a strong, loving force. Share the load by creating a schedule where each of you have time to yourself; either to work, exercise, have downtime, as well as time to look after the children - both separately and together.
For the households with older siblings, encourage them to spend time with their younger siblings and to be a supportive voice through these times. But also allow them time to deal with their own concerns and overall fears; they will need that space too.
Kindness & compassion
It is so important that younger children understand COVID-19 and the spread; and older children understand the importance of following the guidelines set out for everyone. What is even more essential is to teach children kindness. In these times, a smile to strangers can go a long way, as can compassion to those sick and also worried. And showing gratitude to health care assistants and those working to keep us all healthy and fed is crucial. Teach them the negativity that comes from impatience, rudeness, and judgement in these times.
Ensure the family works as a team
“We come together as a family when times get tough and our strength comes from our love and closeness,” says Truth Dad, Ryan.
If you are a two-parent household, be sure to show up for one another as a strong, loving force. Share the load by creating a schedule where each of you have time to yourself; either to work, exercise, have downtime, as well as time to look after the children - both separately and together.
For the households with older siblings, encourage them to spend time with their younger siblings and to be a supportive voice through these times. But also allow them time to deal with their own concerns and overall fears; they will need that space too.
Ideas for free time:
Keep the kids active -
there are so many great resources now.Joe Wicks has a fabulous children’s exercise program, ‘PE with Joe Wicks’ on his YouTube channel, The Body Coach TV. His workouts go live at 9AM BST each day, and all advertising revenue gets donated. There are also plenty of other YouTube videos to stay fit, including ones with dance. Another fantastic
way to have fun together is to get them to join your exercise videos/apps. Family fun!
Get creative -
Whether it is through DIY arts and crafts or playing an instrument, let your child be creative in this time and join in on that too! If you have any skills or talents, the weekends allow for plenty of time to teach them to your children.
Socialise -
Set up video chats for your kids to keep their social life active. It is important that they feel connected with their friends through these times.
Get them outdoors –
If you have a backyard, let them have play-time outside for some much-needed fresh air. Set up games and sports; and take advantage of the government’s daily exercise time allocation and go for walks/bike rides/runs with the children.
We hope we have given you some useful information on parenting through these challenging times. Sending you and your family love.
- Truth family ❤️
Shani Kaplan
Shani Kaplan is a contributing writer for Truth Origins. She combines her knowledge gained from working within the fitness/wellness industry in Sydney and London for the last seven years as a Personal Trainer, and class instructor, with her addiction to research as a result of her BA in Business Marketing. Shani loves martial arts, resistance training, dance and yoga, nutrition, travel, design, photography, and art.
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