Parenting in Covid-19 Times

"Parenting is a joyful journey but comes with its own set of challenges". Especially in covid-19 times, it seems a daunting task. For many parents, every day is a struggle as they are juggling too many responsibilities at the same time. Engaging your kids is not only on the cards but have to look after their online classes along with office work, household chores, online shopping, etc. In these times, getting stressed or anxious is quite normal, therefore, looking after the emotional well-being of yourself and your kid is an important question. Recently attended a webinar on the topic, "Parenting in Covid Times" conducted by Vivero International School that left me with a new understanding of the topic. It was hosted by Ms. Seema Puri, the School Head at the Vivero International School.

Here's sharing excerpts of the webinar:

Ms. Bindu Bhatia who has been working in the field of coaching, counseling, and therapy for 20 years and is a well-known author of the book '"NeuCode for Mindful Parenting: How to raise emotionally intelligent, confident & resilient kids?" explained the concept of 3A's in dealing with the emotions of your children. These 3A's include:

• Attention: Mindful attention of 30 minutes in the entire day. This means not judging them while talking to them
• Acknowledgment: Acknowledging the emotions of your child by letting them feel a certain way
• Appreciation: Appreciating your child without if and buts

Next Ms. Fathima Khader, a highly experienced Parent Consultant, told about how to handle the grief of the loss due to Covid-19. She said that as parents are instant urge is to shield them from such experiences. But, we fail to understand that kids are better at regulating emotions. As parents, our job is to be present with them physically, mentally, and emotionally to deal with these circumstances. Accurate and age-appropriate information should be given to them.

Next Ms. Nazura Ajaney who is an experienced educator and coach and is currently working with the leadership team at Vivero International School focused on having a two-fold approach in dealing with these times. First in the form of parent and child interaction where she emphasized the importance of reading a book to children. As reading enhances their listening and imagining abilities which help in creating a social setting in their minds. Encouraging role plays with toys like having a doll tea party or a superhero role play would give them an idea of how to behave in a social setting. Allow your children to help in daily chores that would help them in creating empathy.

The other would be peer interaction, bringing normalcy in their routine by enrolling them in school programs. Participating with their peers and interacting with their teacher daily can lessen their anxiety. Virtual playdates from time to time can be done to encourage interaction with peers. 

In the later segment, Ms. Bindu said that as a family it is extremely important to talk about emotions and a child is most likely to throw a tantrum if they feel that they are not heard. parents need to learn the language of mindful parenting by learning how to tell their emotions and not show them. 

Next Ms. Fathima told about letting your child feel boredom because it is also an emotion and not do anything about it. She also emphasized giving your young ones creative space where they can create a mess. 

On talking about screen time, Ms. Nazura said that screens are here to stay as parents we need to monitor the time that our child is spending on it. She talked about two types of screen time engagement:

• Interactive or mindful attention involves online classes where the child is learning while interacting
• Passive engagement is when they are watching mindlessly just for fun

She said that both types of engagement are important but the need is to have a structured plan for your child. A digital plan for your family in collaboration with your child that includes daily timings and weekly treats would be wonderful. 

Ms. Seema Puri concluded the webinar by telling us about the importance of routine in a child's journey by creating a balance in their lives. She focused on the importance of mindful parenting by enrolling them in some school programs and allowing them screen time in moderation.