Stuck indoors? Know how to manage Covid stress

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 25

Can’t go to work? Schools closed? Worried about money? It is normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed.

School shutdown is also a chance to make better relationships with our children and teenagers. One-to-one time with parents is now free and fun. It makes children feel loved and secure and shows them that they are important.

Covid-19 has taken away your daily work, home and school routines. This is hard for children, teenagers and for you. Making new routines can help.

The parents should be willing to talk to their children about Covid as silence and secrets do not protect children but honesty and openness do. To help parents interact constructively with their children during this time of confinement, the World Health Organization has rolled out some parenting tips to beat the stress.

BOX

*You are not alone

Millions of people have the same fears. Find someone who you can talk to about how you are feeling. Listen to them. Avoid social media that makes you feel panicked

*Take a pause

Do a one-minute relaxation activity whenever you are feeling stressed or worried

*Utilise the time at disposal

Switch off the TV and phone. This is virus-free time

Read a book or look at pictures

Dance to music or sing songs

Do a chore together – make cleaning and cooking a game

Help with school work

*It’s all in the delivery

Shouting at your child will just make you and them more stressed and angrier. Get your child’s attention by using their name. Speak in a calm voice

*Make handwashing and hygiene fun

Make a 20-second song for washing hands. Add actions! Give children points and praise for regular handwashing

Make a game to see how few times we can touch our faces with a reward for the least number of touches (you can count for each other)

*You are a model for your child’s behaviour

If you practise keeping safe distances and hygiene yourself, and treat others with compassion, especially those who are sick or vulnerable – your children and teenagers will learn from you

*Heroes not bullies

Explain that Covid-19 has nothing to do with the way someone looks, where they are from, or what language they speak. Tell your child that we can be compassionate to people who are sick and those who are caring for them. Look for stories of people who are working to stop the outbreak and are caring for sick people