As preschools and workplaces in Calgary go remote to stop the spread of COVID-19, parents everywhere are wondering how to keep their children healthy and occupied. Here are some top tips from our NW Calgary Montessori preschool on how to support your little one through this time.
During this uncertain time of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), children of all ages are likely to feel a range of emotions and feelings, especially when faced with school closures, cancelled events, or separation from friends.
Such feelings and emotions can include:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Uncertainty
- Boredom
That’s why, as parents, it is now more important than ever to help your child feel loved and supported, and to encourage them to stay active, healthy, and learning through this difficult period.
Our Calgary Montessori School Is as Dedicated as Ever To Your Child’s Education
At Grey Matter Montessori Preschool, we understand how difficult this period of COVID-19 can be, and how important it is for your child to keep learning and growing, even while schools are temporarily closed.
We encourage all of our parents and students to stay involved, keep active, and find ways to create positive learning experiences during this difficult situation.
Need some advice on how to keep your kids occupied?
CONTACT OUR CALGARY NW MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL
4 Ways to Support Your Child Through COVID-19
As schools close in an attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19, parents are struggling to keep children healthy and occupied. But don’t be worried! If you are anxious about how to protect and nurture your kids through this crisis, you aren’t alone!
Here are some simple tips from our Calgary Montessori preschool on how to help calm your child’s fears, manage stress, and encourage their continued growth during this period:
1. Keep A Sense of Routine
A key component of keeping your child calm and happy is setting and sticking to a regular schedule, even when you are home all day. Consistency and structure are calming during times of stress, so ensure:
- Kids get up, eat, and go to bed at normal times
- Change their activities at predictable intervals
- Alternate periods of study and play
It may even help to print out a schedule and go over it as a family every morning. Setting a timer will help kids know when activities are about to begin and end, and having regular reminders will keep the peace and prevent meltdowns when it’s time to transition from one activity to another!
2. Include New Activities in the Schedule
While routine is very important, so is excitement. So why not try to incorporate new activities into your routine, such as having a family game night or dance off one evening? Try to build in activities that can help everyone get some exercise, such as doing a family walk or yoga.
This will help your kids burn off energy while making sure that everyone in the household is staying active and healthy.
3. Manage Your Own Stress and Anxiety
It is completely understandable that you are anxious right now, but how you manage those feelings will have a big impact on your kids. Try to keep your worries in check as this will help your whole family navigate this uncertain situation as easily as possible.
Some of the things you may want to do include:
- Watch out for catastrophic thinking (eg. dwelling on worst-case scenarios)
- Keep a sense of perspective
- Engage in solution-focused thinking
- Practice mindful acceptance
Have a moment when you’re feeling anxious? Step away.
It is inevitable that you will have a few moments of feeling anxious and if this is the case, try not to talk about your concerns within earshot of your kids. If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a break, such as going outside or into another room to meditate.
4. Continue to Make Plans
In the face of events that are scary, it’s important to be proactive about what you can control. Making plans will help you and your family visualize and feel positive about the near future. For example, ask yourself:
- What can you and your family do that would be fun and safe outside?
- How can your kids have virtual play dates?
- What are your kids favorite foods that you can cook at this time?
Seeing you problem-solve in response to this situation can be instructive and reassuring for your little one. Even better, assign kids tasks that will help them feel like they are part of the plan and making a valuable contribution to the household.
We Are Committed to Supporting Your Child’s Education Through These Trying Times
At Grey Matter Montessori, we know it’s not an easy time for Calgarian families but remember, staying at home and other social distancing recommendations are the best way now to protect our family, friends, and neighbours who may be vulnerable.
If you require any advice on how to keep your child active or busy during COVID-19, contact us at 587-707-4739 or fill out our online contact form.
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