This is an unprecedented time in our history. The COVID-19 pandemic is having an impact on the health of our loved ones, the businesses we rely upon, the health of the global economy, and the way we live our daily lives. As we all continue to navigate through these unique and evolving challenges, we want you to know that we are here for you when all return to life as we know it.
We will be spending a lot of time at home in the next few weeks. Here’s the first part in our bumper guide of how to make the most of lockdown.
Begin on the same page
I’d suggest at the very start the family sit down and devise a family plan. Have a discussion: what do you think will be the biggest challenges? What are the strengths that we each have as an individual family member that can help out? Discussing concerns and expectations about the quarantine, and what role each person can play to make it better, can be helpful.
Be truthful
It is important for parents to listen to and empathize with their children’s fears, speak truthfully about the situation in an age-appropriate manner and put it into context, the experts say.
Have conversations for facts and feelings. To allaying fears will also be allowing children a sense of control, such as over their personal hygiene.
For adults too, keeping a sense of perspective and sourcing information and advice from credible sources will help stave off anxiety.
Set up structure
Maintaining a routine will be important but it need not be strict. Routines are always helpful for people to see an endpoint. Don’t stay on screens all the time. It could be tempting for people to just sit in front of the telly for four weeks. The novelty of that will wear off quite quickly. We know that when people withdraw, or stop doing their normal activities, it can have a pretty profound effect on their mood.
Keep moving
Keeping physically active is critical to boosting mood. Frustration and boredom can come when kids are not getting the opportunities to be physically active. Creative exercise ideas, like setting up an obstacle course in the backyard (or even indoors), could occupy both parents and kids. Break up your day with some micro-exercises, such as jumping jacks, running upstairs or playing basketball and (indoors) soccer or cricket.
