Tips for parents coping with kids at home

防疫期停課不停學

The article discusses the challenges faced by children and parents during the extended break from school caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The hosts discuss the notable differences in the current situation: children are unable to meet their friends, while parents struggle to keep them occupied without relying on excessive screen time.

Parenting expert Elizabeth suggests that parents should view the lockdown as an opportunity to spend quality time with their children and teach them valuable coping skills. She advises against trying to replicate a school classroom at home and instead recommends brainstorming ideas with children to decide how to spend their time together.

If you lack ideas for what to do during the day, Elizabeth recommends brainstorming: talking to your children to produce ideas and suggestions for things to do. Talking with your children to come up with ideas and suggestions for fun learning activities.

You can actually enjoy this time and teach your children amazing coping skills for dealing with difficulties in the future.

For example, engaging children in fun activities such as ball games, board games, card games, word games, and family discos. Elizabeth also stresses the importance of scheduling downtime for relaxation, like quiet reading, to avoid burnout. Additionally, she suggests healthy ways for children to let off steam, such as having pillow fights, when the situation becomes stressful.

The article also encourages parents to find language learning programs and English activities for their children during the lockdown.

I would brainstorm ideas and then draw up timetables of what you’re going to do each day.

So playing with your children is wonderful – ball games, board games, card games, word games, anything – doing a family disco – anything that is fun and entertaining for them.

It’s difficult to find the energy to keep playing games all day long. It’s also important to timetable in downtime - time when you relax and do not do much, for example quiet reading.

Having a positive attitude by seeing the lockdown as an opportunity will help in this unprecedented situation, a situation which has never happened before.

I used to go to the seaside on holiday with my family.

I remember my dad driving us down to the seaside, looking out the car window and playing I-spy with my sister.

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