The lockdown has undoubtedly changed many of the usual comforts people have already been accustomed to. Children, just like adults, might be finding it hard to adapt to the new changes. You may even find them more on edge during this time. If you find that your child is exhibiting uneasiness far more than what may be considered normal, then you should definitely take note of the importance of helping children cope with restlessness during the lockdown.
Continue reading to learn more about how you can help your child throughout this time.
Establish a routine
One of the most important coping mechanisms you can practice with your child during the lockdown is the establishment of a routine. Having them stick to a routine may help ease their anxieties.
Since your children aren’t attending school anymore, they might make it a habit to wake up at a random time within the day. Though resist the idea at first, waking them up at a scheduled time where they’ve had ample rest is a good way to start a routine. After, eat breakfast with them and then assign them simple chores like washing dishes or organizing their bedrooms.
Engage them in exercise
The lockdown may also be another opportunity for you to encourage your child to have exercise sessions with the rest of the family. If your child is at an age where they have to move about to feel sane, exercise is a great way to help them keep in shape and be more productive during this time.
You don’t have to own a treadmill or any other kind of exercise machine just to help your child become more active. The internet is abundant with resources and simple exercise videos that may not only keep your heart rate up but might also be an enjoyable bonding experience for the family, For example, you can look up videos of basic Zumba routines that your child can easily follow. Accompanied by energetic music, this dance-based exercise may be able to satisfy your child’s constant state of restlessness.
Help them learn a new skill
As a parent, you don’t have to buy any expensive tools or materials to help your child learn a new skill. This can be done in the comfort of your own home with readily available materials.
Baking, for example, is one good activity to help your child enhance their skills in the kitchen. Using only a few simple ingredients, your child would be able to bake the perfect cookie on their own with minimal assistance. If your child is artistic, encourage them to draw or do a craft activity.
Doing these activities can help them keep their mind off things that may cause them to be uneasy throughout the day. These may also help them have a sense of fulfillment with the new skills under their belt.
Communicate with your child
You should be able to create a safe space where your child can openly discuss their feelings and emotions throughout this time without them feeling like they’ll be judged for it. By knowing your child’s thoughts, you can more easily determine the source of their restlessness and subsequently help them alleviate this condition in a way that is more tailor-fit to their needs.
Forcing your child to speak up, on the other hand, may compel them to distance themselves further from you. Instead, take the initiative to let them know that you’re always available will encourage them to approach you out of their own volition.
Key Takeaway
Helping your children cope with restlessness during the lockdown may be challenging in the beginning, but as long as you approach this issue in a calm manner, you may easily manage this situation.
Through simple activities like following a routine, sticking to a habit, learning new simple skills, and openly communicating with your child, you’d easily be able to help manage their feelings of restlessness.
