Being a parent during COVID-19: Time for one-on-one

(Patria) - Can't go to work? Schools are closed? Worried about money? It is normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed. However, a closed school can be an opportunity to build better relationships with our children and teenagers, point out from the World Health Organization (WHO).

One-on-one time is free and fun. It makes children feel loved and safe, and shows them that they are important.

Set aside time to spend with each child

This can be just 20 minutes or longer - the decision is ours. It can be at the same time every day so children or teenagers can look forward to it.

Ask your child what they would like to do 

This choice builds their self-confidence. If they want to do something that does not fit with social distancing, then this is a chance to talk to them about it.

Ideas for a baby or young child
Copy their facial expressions and sounds, sing songs, make music with pots and spoons, stack cups or blocks, tell a story, read a book or share pictures with them.

Turn off the TV and phone. This is virus-free time.

Ideas for your child

Read a book or look at pictures, make drawings with crayons or pencils, dance to music or sing songs, do a chore together - make a game of cleaning or cooking, help with homework.

Ideas for a teenager

Talk about something they like: sports, music, celebrities, friends, cook a favorite meal together, exercise together to their favorite music, listen to them, look at them.

Give them your full attention.