It is natural to feel concerned for our children who have missed school days, friends, sports games, proms, and even graduations. Now, they are glued to tech more than ever. Yet, they still have troubles with remote school. On top of that, children may be dealing with depression, divorce, and death during the pandemic. With that, experts answer the most pressing parenting questions amid the pandemic.
Can adversity be good for children?
Nat Kendall-Taylor of the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University revealed the different classes of stress and the outcomes of which when experienced by children:
- Positive stress is important for growth and development. It challenges kids to get out of their comfort zone.
- Tolerable stress happens during the tough and trying times, like the pandemic. But with a supportive relationship, the child can become resilient.
- Toxic stress is chronic and severe; and with the lack of support that can act as a mediator in the situation.
When Should I Worry about My Child's Screen Time?
Over 71% of parents in the U.S. of children under age 12 had concerns about screen time. Also, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends zero screen time for under 18 months old, only an hour of high-quality programs for ages 2-5, and consistent limits for ages 6 and above, USA Today reported.
But, with the pandemic changing the way we live, screen time for kids have increased. Natalie Renew of Home Grown, a national collaboration on home-based child care says it is important to be kind to oneself when such rules or guidelines cannot be followed. "Children are incredibly adaptive. When they go back to school, they resume the social relationships with their peers."
Does My Well-being Impact That of My Child?
The well-being of a child's caregiver directly impact his own. It is vital that a child has a supportive parent to become a kind of buffer or mediator amid our current situation.
A study showed that caregivers of children below age 5, and who are in a low-income household report more depression and anxiety. This affects a parent's availability towards the child. When parents feel distress from financial hardships, children also feel loss of emotional support.
When parents are stressed, the children feel they are distant. And children need that emotional and physical closeness. So, communication is essential.
Will the Pandemic Cause My Child Permanent Damage?
There is no hundred percent guarantee, but unless children experience toxic stress, they are only building resiliency during this time. It may serve them good in the long run. But if a parent feels something is off with their child, they should seek professional support.
How Can I Make Sure My Child Does Not Feel Neglected When I Work from Home without Child Care?
Experts say that it is essential to give quality time. Be present when you are able to give them time. Parents should be flexible during this time. Take a break from work and help your child answer a question from school or talk about the picture he just drew. They just need to feel acknowledged.
How Can I Be Supportive with My Child's Virtual Learning?
Experts remind parents to be patient as every child has varying needs with virtual learning. First and foremost, there should be a dedicated space for studying. It should be free of clutter and distractions. Children should also get to have brain breaks with short bursts of physical activity like a short walk.
Encourage independence with their learning. Yet do not hesitate to check in on them once in a while. And when you have concerns, do bring it up with their teacher. You do not need to feel alone in this.
How Can I Best Help My Teen during the Pandemic?
While young kids tend to want to be around their parents, for teens they gravitate more towards peers. Now, they are separated from their friends and miss milestones like prom and graduation. Jennifer Pfeifer, a psychology professor at the University of Oregon revealed that family support remains important even through adolescence.
Validate your teen's feelings. Then, help them find new ways to contribute which can help awaken them to a wider world. Help them find new purpose amid the pandemic. They can start with volunteering or getting involved in an organization whose mission they are passionate about.
