Parenting tips during-self isolation

It’s important to remember that at this time you aren’t expected to be your child’s teacher as well as their parent. Your job as a parent at this time is to keep your child and yourself well, both physically and psychologically.

• Try to reduce your expectations around your child’s education and see this time in isolation as an opportunity for them to learn new skills, both practical and emotional, in a different way.  

• Set realistic expectations around routines for schoolwork and be flexible. Review them often to ensure that they continue to be relevant in a rapidly changing situation.

• Children will look to the adult around them for clues about how they should feel about something. If you feel anxious it is important to discuss this and normalise these feelings. Find a strategy that you can do together to manage feelings of anxiety, for example, breathing exercises.

• Understand that children may show their anxiety and disappointment at missed opportunities in different ways, for example, becoming easily distressed about things they have previously coped with or withdrawing. Encourage open communication and acknowledge that their feelings are valid and important.

• Encourage children to continue to communicate and connect with friends online whilst also monitoring online safety.

• Talk to children about the current situation in a way that is appropriate to their age and for older children point them in the direction of reliable resources rather than social media streams. Encourage them to ask questions and if you don’t know the answer, research them together online. For older children and teens, this is an opportunity for them to develop and practise critical thinking skills.

• Try to spend quality time together. Meal preparation is a perfect time to spend time with kids and teach them new skills. It’s also important for our mental health to feel productive so give them chores to help them feel that they are contributing to the needs of the family.

• Where possible, encourage them to go outside and get some exercise in the sun and fresh air (abiding by any current guidelines for social distancing). Of course, feel free to join them and spend that time together.

• Consider learning a new skill or craft with the children:
  - Knitting/crochet/basic sewing
  - Making a short movie
  - Learning an instrument.

• For couples, take turns at parenting and working where possible. Effective communication is vitally important during self-isolation. Set aside some time to discuss important parenting issues, boundaries and decisions on a regular basis.

• Don’t forget about your own needs, self-care is important so try and include exercise, healthy eating and drinking plenty of water into your routine.

Further information can be found at redcross.org.au

There are also a large number of online resources for parents who are self-isolating with children including ideas for interesting and educational activities such as virtual tours of museums, online libraries and free recordings of theatre productions.

If you require further support, contact Parentline. They also have a confidential telephone service providing professional counselling and support. Reach out on 1300 30 1300 8am to 10pm, 7 days a week.