KATHMANDU: The World Health Organization (WHO) shared some practical parenting tips, to help keep your relationship with your children healthy, while you protect yourselves from COVID-19 by staying at home.
1. One-on-One Time
According to WHO, it will make them feel loved and secure, and will also show them that they’re important to you. If you have two or more children, make sure to allot one-on-one time for each of them. You can play with them, talk to them about their interests and hobbies; or if they’re studying from home, you can help them with their homework.
2. Keeping it positive
WHO advises you to praise your child when they’re behaving well. It will assure them that you notice and care, and it will encourage them to repeat the good thing that they’ve done.
3. Structure up
Create a schedule with your children. Make sure to specify the time they’ll spend on learning, eating, bathing, playing, exercising, etc. It’s also important to make frequent hand washing and physical distancing a part of their new daily routine, so you can keep them safe from COVID-19.
4. What to do when they misbehave
So, what should you do when your kids exhibit bad behavior? WHO advises you to redirect, use consequences, or take a pause.
If possible, curb the bad behavior even before it starts, by redirecting their attention to something positive, like telling them, “Come, let’s play a game together.”
5. Keep calm and manage stress
WHO advises parents to take care of themselves, so they can better take care of their families. Find support from other parents, or from your friends and relatives. Take breaks during the day and be sure to do something fun and relaxing once the kids are asleep.
More Tips for parents:
- Structure is important but nurture is critical
- Teach your kids good hygiene and remind them that they are safe and will be taken care of
- BREATHE – give yourself permission to put yourself in time out and nap time
- Don’t micromanage your teens. Set expectations and be consistent
- Take a walk and get out of the house every day for a reset
(with inputs from WHO and Agencies)
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