5 BEST TIPS TO HELP YOUR CHILDREN
So since we’re still on Lockdown in the UK, I thought I should share some of the things I’m doing to help me keep my sanity as a parent.
So the other day my 16 -year-old- son came into my room to tell me about how overwhelmed and depressed he is due to the huge amount of coursework, he had to do, of which he only understand a little part since his school is still closed. He went further to explain to me that he isn’t doing well learning remotely, and that he misses his friends, which understandably is a bit tricky for him.
As I am writing this blog, (08/02/21) schools and colleges are all shot down in the UK, and no one except key workers is allowed to leave their homes. We are only permitted to go out for necessary shopping and a bit of outdoors exercise daily. So you can understand his frustrations as this situation is new to everyone, including kids. I listened to him and offered him some suggestions, at the end of the discussion, we both came up with an idea that can work for him during this uncertain time.
HERE ARE SOME THE TIPS I USE
- ROUTINE – You need to create a schedule for every school work they perform. That was a struggle initially. I remember just letting him do his work on his bed everyday, then I quickly realised it wasn’t working, as he would always dozed off during his online classes. I had to come up with another plan which is ; Every morning he has to wake up 30 minutes before the start of his virtual class to get ready, he also has to sit at a desk during the classes, not on the bed. Of course he wasn’t happy with the plan at first, but then he got used to it and this arrangements worked better.
2. ENCOURAGE PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES/EXERCISE – This one was hard for him, left for him, he would rather sleep all day. So I decided to send him on errand, which meant he would be active and not sat in the house all day.
3. LISTEN TO YOUR KIDS; – Your kids may not completely understand the situation with COVID-19, or if they do understand it, might not be able to articulate or express their feelings, therefore, if your kids is able to articulate their fears and worries to you like my son did to me, please listen to them. Assure them, make them know that their feelings are valid., and find a way to support them letting them understand that you are available at any time needed. Which brings me to my next point.
4.ENCOURAGE THEM TO SAY DAILY AFFIRMATION – One of the best ways you can support your kids at this uncertain time is to introduce them to journaling. Especially gratitude journal. it works with my son, even though he hates reading. I wrote some Affirmations on a paper and stuck it on his wall, where he can see them every morning.
BY THE WAY IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A GRATITUDE JOURNAL WITH AFFIRMATION FOR YOUR KIDS – YOU CAN GO ON AMAZON AND ORDER A COPY OF MY NEW GRATITUDE JOURNAL – I AM ENOUGH GRATITUDE JOURNAL FOR 13-16 YEAR OLD GIRLS; By Olufunke Akinniyi
5. DO THINGS TOGETHER AS A FAMILY- Spending time together as a family will help everyone during this time. Simple thing as eating together, reading together, going for a walk as a family or even watching Netflix go a long way. One of the positive thing about this, is that we have grown so much together as a family. and we laugh together a lot more now.
MY FINAL THOUGHT
Parenting during this pandemic may be tough and still uncertain, but as a parent, we need to be strong for our kids and for the whole family. Please don’t forget to take care of yourself too.
Please feel free to share your thought on how you are coping at this period. We all need each other as we are in this together.
Click the link below to get my book
Olu
Positive Parenting With Olu 