Keeping Kids Busy at home during Covid-19 Pandemic!

April 01,2020

With lockdown declared officially by Indian Government in March 2020,  there is a drastic change in whatever we see, do, hear and experience. There is an eerie feeling of unexpectedness all around. We have not come to know more about what is happening around us..... as I write this in the initial stage of Covid-19 pandemic. There is so much confusion of feelings, of happenings.What was normal earlier has become a taboo, 'not-to-be-done' rule.... and new routine is invading each household. Those who used to travel a lot cannot do so. Those who go to work daily, commute, visit clients, have meetings, conduct conferences...have to step back as these are not possible. Those in business are worst affected.... no one to come over and buy, no worker to handle trade or transaction, no stuff being bought without re-thinking, shops n offices are shut down. Sad state of affairs. 

Our kids are at home since they cannot go to school/colleges. Their online classes will soon be the new norm. Parents are at home, working. and delivering their professional time sincerely. It is funny no one imagined that such a situation will be a routine! However, there is no grumbling,  and no mumbling as we look at the situation with a positive magnifying glass! Kids have to be handled subtly, not roughly. They understand the unexpected turn of situation around them very well. They know why safety measures have to be adhered to, at home and out, to keep healthy, to stay away from falling sick, and not to be a victim of COVID-19. And parents can make their days better. 

Here are just a few things that I request parent to do for their kids during this pandemic period :

1. Even if it is lockdown, see that the kids have a set routine time... for getting up - bath - breakfast - lunch - prayer - dinner. These are all unavoidable in normal daily routine. In between they will fill the time with online classes, hobbies, indoor games etc.

2. Please promise yourself that you will watch your child developing keenly on one interest. Identify the same and enjoy the child's happiness. Please discuss this  pleasure with him/her.

3. Make time to play one indoor game with the junior each day....even if it takes few minutes or much  more. Choose a time so you don't look at the watch or make them hurry up. Laugh even if you lose, so the junior learns to laugh at losing a bit. Praise if the junior does well during the game. He/she will learn this too. Teach them new moves, tips to improve. Share the memory of your childhood indoor games with the juniors.

 See the bond building more tight soon! Good luck!

Thanks!

© Shanta Ramakrishnan
Bhandup West, Mumbai INDIA