SOCIAL DISTANCING IS HARD FOR CHILDREN TEENS AND TWEENS.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP THEM COPE.
As parents and educators and caregivers we need to help our Teens and tweens to understand that social distancing is our best defense against spreading disease. It is especially important that we do not dispel any misinformation that may make our children feel that social distancing is not a necessary measure, and that it is especially important during this time.
“It is critical that we educate the older children, teens, and young adults to understand that they have a direct impact on how a virus spread. Our children need to understand that social distancing saves lives and that it is a worldwide rule during this time where everyone needs to think of their own safety as well as everyone else’s and that they play an especially important part by keeping a social distance and wearing a mask and sanitizing.
To maintain isolation is difficult for everyone, especially for super social tweens and teens. Children can feel isolated even at home with parents and siblings. For children to feel that they are losing the social ties which they have built up at school and nursery school and outside of their family circle can feel like a loss of independence and identity.
When we look at children who are very social, they yearn to be in the company and in social spaces with others. Many parents and children have had to adapt and abide by new rules and protocol during this time, and we need to help our children and let them know we must deal with the change and that it is only temporary. During this time, you must help them know the rules changed and so we changed, but that it is temporary.
The most important and essential tool for coping with isolations is, to keep regular times as it was prior to the new rules e.g., keep the routine in your environment as close as to what it was or exact.
Mealtimes, screen time, set expectations for chores and schoolwork,
and encourage everyone to get dressed and attend to hygiene and not become lazy people and mess up the routine completely.
Creating extra time together is an incredible way in creating a silver lining in a stressful situation. Schedule for some fun time, creativity, and physical activity. Doing some exercising together or learning a new online
dance, doing an art project together, or just watching a movie can ease the strain of social isolation.
Here are some activities to try with older children:
“Children may be particularly sensitive to the lack of control in their lives right now, so involve them in family decisions,” says Victor G. Carrion, M.D., professor and vice-chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University and Director of the Stanford Early Life Stress and Pediatric Anxiety Program. That can include simply asking them what movie to watch or what game to play.
The best way to help your teen or tween combat loneliness during social distancing is to relax restrictions on screen time and social media.
It is extremely difficult to be the perfect parent right now. It is ok to allow your child to have some extra screen time, but make sure that the devices have all the safety protections for their online exploration.
By allowing extended limits on technology makes room for online learning, social media, online messaging, and other tools to keep children in touch with friends and classmates. Allow yourself to forget screen time rules for a while. Rather, brush up on safe tech use for children so you can feel confident letting them move their social life online.
The main aim is not about the time spent on technology, but healthy use of technology in education, entertainment, and social connection categories.
One part of healthy screen time during this crisis is setting limits on how much media coverage on the world pandemic your children are exposed to. Too much access to the news can cause major stress and anxiety.
Remaining informed is important, however please do not allow too much exposure to the news your children could be exposed too, thus noting that it is not just the TV we should be controlling but also cellphones, laptops, I-pads, twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Parental Control is especially important.
Remember To Set the Example for Good Behavior
You are always setting the example for your Children. They lead by
example: this does not mean you have to be perfect, but it is important to know that they are looking at you to set the tone.
It starts with you as the parent. Create a sense of calm by taking care of yourself first and foremost. Make sure you are getting the right amount of sleep, eating well, exercising, and finding ways to unwind.
Parents can model good behavior for their kids by engaging in self- care, Parents should also model responsible behaviors around the use of alcohol, tobacco, or other substances.
I do not think prior to the pandemic any of us had an idea how Isolation, uncertainty, and loss of routine can lead to depression. Signs of depression include becoming withdrawn, changes in sleep patterns and eating habits, and decreased energy levels. While some degree of this is a normal part of adolescence, it is important to be on the lookout for significant behavior changes.
For the more senior students and high school children, the disappointment of canceled matric farewells and graduation ceremonies will take time for them to deal with and to grieve. Mourn these losses with them and offer your support.
And always keep in mind: There is no way to be a perfect parent, especially during a pandemic. Be gentle with yourself and your children while you figure it out together
If you are keen to receive continuous information, tips, and blogs, please feel free to join our community by subscribing.
We promise not to spam, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
BUSY HANDS – BUSY MINDS
PRACTICAL LIFE ACTIVITIES
E-BOOK
