Maximizing Children's Development During Quarantine/Lockdown

Last March 16, the Philippine government imposed an "enhanced community quarantine" on an area housing nearly 57 million people in the country's northern Luzon island which also houses Metro Manila in a move to contain the spread of COVID-19. With it comes a lot of messages and changes. If you think this is confusing for adults, imagine this from the children’s point of view.

Children have a different way of reacting and coping with changes such as the imposed expanded community quarantine which limits their activities and restricts physical interaction with others.

Prolonged confinement may result in a variety of physical and mental health concerns. In an article published by The Lancet, an international medical journal, there is evidence suggesting prolonged home confinement leads to less physical activity, longer screen time, irregular sleep patterns and less favorable diets.

As the COVID-19 crisis continues and the enhanced community quarantine is enforced, children will look to their parents for guidance as they may not fully understand what is happening.

As parents, these are some things you can do to help your children durng this time:

1. Remain calm and reassuring. It is very important that parents remain calm during this time of crisis so as not to pass on the anxiety and stress to their children.

2. Address their curiosity. Talk to your children and help them understand what’s happening. Acknowledge how they feel and help them cope.

3. Encourage them to refocus their attention to what they can do in the moment. Take this time to bond and learn with your children.

4. Try to keep to a schedule or a routine. In this time of uncertainty, structure can provide a sense of security and certainty for children.

5. Take this opportunity to reconnect and bond with your kids. Online learning resources can help parents make the most of their time at home with their children – creating avenues for learning while providing a bonding experience at the same time.

6. Make use of technology to maintain connections with friends and family. Use this time as an opportunity to connect and re-connect with your family and friends and find ways to have positive conversations.

Having more time with your children means that you have more opportunities to ensure that you are there to help them learn new things, enhance their skills, and optimize their development.

There are a variety of activities you can do with your children while you stay at home. Here are some activities you can do as a family:

1. E-learning. There are a lot of online resources parents can use to facilitate learning at home. Scholastic and Homeschool Resources, for example, offer a wide variety of modules for children from different age groups that will allow daily learning for the coming weeks. This will help ensure that your child will be ready for school when it resumes.

2. Travel the World Online. With the available technology we have, there is no limit to what you can do in the comfort of your home. There are sites such as Travel + Leisure which lists museums that provide virtual tours. This will alow you and your children to see the world and facilitate learning about different cultures and the world’s history.

3. Play family games. Instead of being glued to your individual gadgets, find time to play games together – your only limit is your imagination. Teach them how you played with your parents as children – board games, charades, treasure hunts, etc

4. Cook together. Let your children join you in the kitchen. Allow them to help out in the little things. You’ll find that it’s easier to make them eat a variety of food when they’re a part of the process.

5. Exercise. After cooking a healthy meal togather, what better way to burn those extra calories and prevent weight gain than to do exercise. There are a lot of group exercises you can do together.

6. Be creative. Take this time to enhance your child’s creativity through arts and cratfs activities.

7. Train your dog. If you have a family dog, this may be the best time to train him. An hour of training a day will help your dog be stimulated physically and mentally which will lead to better behavior. You’ll have fun and so will your dog.

8. Pray together. According to Dr. Jacqueline Navarro, Director of the Center for Developmental Pediatrics of The Medical City (TMC), this is also the best time to teach your children the power of praying together as a family. Pray with children using a language that are appropriate for their age. Praying together also provides children reassurance and comfort.

Every child is unique and parents should be able to adapt to this uniqueness. Every child will react differently to every situation. Cater to their individuality and provide the necessary support they need. This will help them as they they grow and develop.

About The Medical City’s Center for Developmental Pediatrics

TMC’s Center for Developmental Pediatrics (CDP) ensures that children can get all the help and guidance they need while growing up. The Center offers services from the assessment, diagnosis, and management of children with developmental, behavioral, and feeding difficulties. The Center employs a multidisciplinary approach to the management of patients to ensure the best quality of care and pave the way in optimizing children’s development.

Help your child reach his/her full potential by taking advantage of the time you’re together at home.

References:

The Lancet - https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30547-X/fulltext

Ateneo de Manila University - Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services

Scholastic https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html

Travel + Leisure - https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours

Parade - https://parade.com/1009774/stephanieosmanski/things-to-do-with-kids-during-coronavirus-quarantine/