06 Oct

Parent’s Guide: Prepare your Child for the New Normal after the Pandemic

The unprecedented surge in the coronavirus brought the world to a standstill. However, the situation is now easing with the development and deployment of vaccines against the pandemic – 46.7% of people have already received at least one dose. The public places, markets, schools, and workplaces that were under strict lockdown in almost all countries around the world have been opened with limited restrictions. This does not put an end to the coronavirus here however. There’s still a need for practicing precautionary measures.

If you are a parent and worried about preparing your child for the new normal, here is a quick guide for you:

1. Create Awareness:

First and foremost, the health of your child is the most important thing for them as well as for you. As you prepare your child to adjust to the new normal, make sure you create awareness about the importance of following safety advice and enforce the importance of frequently washing and sanitizing hands.  Talk to your child and inform them about the threats of contracting coronavirus and the necessary measures for prevention.

While there are different restrictions in different places, if your child is allowed to go to public spaces, make sure they know that they should ideally wear a mask, keep a distance, sanitize hands, and avoid touching their face. One of the best ways to teach your child is by being a role model that they can follow. Practice what you preach!

2. Create a healthy routine:

Most schools around the world have re-opened now but many still operate unconventionally: some open on alternative days, and others run in two shifts- morning and evening. In both ways, there is the possibility that your child may not have the normal routine they had before the pandemic. Therefore, whether your child has to go to school or not, make sure you follow the same healthy routine regularly. Make sure your child eats meals on time, attends classes (online or offline), does some exercise. Keep in mind that children thrive with routine, so make sure you develop and maintain a healthy routine.

3. Listen to them:

The pandemic has brought major disruptions to daily life. Children are among the most susceptible to be affected by these disruptions. Many children who have been under lockdown have been anxious and frightened to return to school. Therefore, it is a matter of high importance for parents to talk to their children, listen to them patiently, and understand what is going on in their heads. If your child is worried about getting sick, reflect on how you think about the issue, and help them understand.

4. Monitor their mental health:

This transition is immense, especially for children. Habits gained around staying indoors during the lockdown will be difficult to retract. Children who are going to face the world again may be challenged in many ways, especially mentally. Therefore its essential for parents to check on their mental health.

The pandemic was traumatic for all of us, leading to many serious anxiety and depression problems across the population. The uncertainty regarding the situation is even more terrifying as its long-term impacts are still unknown. Studies of past pandemics indicate that symptoms related to mental health lasted for many years after being isolated for a long time.  Pay serious attention to the symptoms of anxiety and stress in your child.

5. Give more attention:

Spend more time with your child and focus on positive things rather than the negative. Try to make time together as fun as possible by doing activities like playing a game, singing, dancing or watching a movie. Make sure you keep an eye on them while they do their homework, and are there in case they need some urgent assistance. If they need some targeted academic help, or specific assistance with a problem or an essay, then consider finding them a tutor. Athena Tuition can help!

The Bottom Line:

The pandemic has been difficult for all of us to deal with, but it is the prime duty of the parents to help their children adapt to the new normal.’

Guest post from Nellie Hughes