Uncertainty and being just at home to prevent and to slow the spread of the infection can make it hard for families to be or to stay calm. It’s essential to support children manage their behavior, feel safe, and keep healthy routines. 

HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON HOW TO HELP YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS TIME OF OUTBREAK:

1. Address the fear of your child 

For safety both physical and emotional, children rely on their parents. Tell your children that you are there for them and together, you’ll get through this. 

• Recognize your child’s feelings
• Answer the questions of your child simple and honest about the pandemic 
• Show them how to manage feelings
• Keeping in touch with your loved ones
• Inform your child before you leave 
• Offer extra hugs 

2. Keep healthy routines 

Throughout this time of the pandemic, it is very important to keep bedtime routines. Every child and teens benefit from routines that are liable enough to meet individual needs. 

• Structure the day 

You may establish a new daily schedule. Older children and teen can follow a general rule of:

1. Wake-up routines, being dressed-up, breakfast, and having some active play followed by quiet play and snack
2. Lunch, house chores, physical activity, online social time with friends, and homework in the afternoon
3. Family time and reading some books before bed 

During any stressful period especially at this time of the pandemic, children often have more trouble with bedtime. Try to keep normal nighttime routines. It is a great idea to cling in a practical range so that their sleep-wake cycle will not throw off. Lack of sleep makes it extra hard for them to deal with emotions. An hour before bedtime, don’t forget to switch off their phones and other devices. 

3. Use a positive discipline 

Everyone is worried and anxious during the pandemic. Younger children might not be able to say a word about their feelings. They are more likely to act out their fear, anxiety, and stress through their behavior. Older children and teens can be extra irritable as they miss out on being with their friends and some special events are being canceled. Here are some ways on how to help your children manage their behavior and emotions:

• Redirect bad behavior – find something else to do for your children because sometimes they misbehave due to boredom and lack of knowledge yet about any better. 
• Direct your attention – notice their good behavior, praise success, and good tries. 
• Creative plays – suggest your children draw or make a collage where it shows that your family is staying safe. 
• Know when not to respond – if your child is getting more attention to good behavior, ignoring bad behavior can be an effective way of stopping it. As long as your child is not doing anything dangerous, you can ignore their bad behavior. 
• Use time-outs – by warning your children that they will get a time-out if they will not stop, this discipline tool works best. Remind them about what they did in a few words and little emotion as possible.