How to Cope with COVID 19 at home
By Zahraa Akhwand
COVD-19 has put families in a unique situation, perhaps one that’s once-in-a-lifetime. While it’s easy to succumb to fear and restlessness, it’s important to remember that no situation is immune to human adaptation.
We can overcome any hardship. Let’s start with the most basic.
1- Focus on the positive!
Self-isolation is not all negative. Think of all the times you wanted to spend more time with family or loved ones. Now is the perfect opportunity to reconnect! Savor the extra moments you have at home, recollect all your greatest memories and focus on making new ones! Strengthen the bond with your children by listening to them and playing an active role in their curriculum.
2- Maintain Structure Maintain structure in your day. With school being held online, you and your family have all the more reason to stay in your pajamas and spend even more time on your phone, perhaps not being the most productive. Create a schedule with your family to make the transition into and out of quarantine smoother while also maintaining productivity. Begin by discussing material your students need to learn and allow your kids to set educational goals. The more say your kids have in their schedule, the more they are motivated to keep it. Include breaks and free time in your schedule. Allocate a “learning zone” for members of your family. Maximize productivity by creating an environment that has limited distractions and encourages learning. Learning zones are ideal in neutral, low traffic areas of your home. Keep all needed supplies close, limit the internet to educational needs, and personalize them with motivating messages! Finally, make progress visible. Measure growth by checking off to-do-lists, hanging up completed assignments and celebrating milestones. 3- Enjoy positive family time Schedule time to play a family game, try out a new (or old) recipe, look at baby pictures or even share memories. Take time to acknowledge fears, hopes, and dreams. Empower each other while getting to know each other. You’ll be surprised at how much you don’t know about each other!
4- Keep social relationships
Let your kids review educational material with their favorite classmates. Video communication is not only for schooling. Facetime your friends! Schedule virtual hangouts and swap stories! Point is, even though you may not be able to see each other like before, you can still find ways to spend virtual time with each other.
5- When in doubt, seek resources!
One thing we know for sure amidst this pandemic is that we are all in this together. Seeking resources is not a weakness, its a strength! Friends, family and community members are some of the best resources. They understand your needs and may have suggestions or advice that you can use. At the very least, they can be a resource you can vent to. Online resources are also excellent. Many are ready to use and tailored to kids- filled with worksheets, schedules, and templates you can modify freely. Below are some online resources you can use (don’t be afraid to use the resources as templates. Modify them to meet your needs.) Readiness Roadmap Distance Learning ToolKit Resource of Education ReImagined Scholastic Learn at Home COVIBOOK: An activity book to reduce COVD-19 related stress for kids Ways to Manage anxiety during COVID-19 by the APA