Due to the corona lockdown, the day care centers and schools will remain closed again. The new Corona everyday life leaves its mark on all of us – especially on children and young people, who are particularly receptive to external impulses. With these six tips you can strengthen your children’s mental health:
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1. Sticking to everyday rituals
Small rituals beautify everyday life, reduce stress and make you happy. Be it a weekly game night or an extended Sunday breakfast – enjoy the family time together, which provides support and confidence.
2. Exercising regularly
Children need movement! So take your little ones out as often as possible. Regular exercise such as playing soccer with siblings or riding a bike in the park releases happiness hormones, reduces stress and anxiety and makes it easier to fall asleep in the evening . Your children will be more balanced and happier.
3. Home office: establish clear rules
If you are currently working in the home office or are on short-time work and are therefore more at home, there must be fixed rules as to when you are available and for your children. Clarify with your partner who will work and when and who will take care of them during this time, so your children will learn that mum and dad don’t have time for them all day and all the time.
4. Structure in everyday life
Along with this, you build up a fixed everyday structure that defines exactly the times for school, homework and hobbies. To-do lists are especially helpful. Also write down nice, motivating tasks like reading a book or playing an instrument.
5. Exemplify encouragement and appreciation
The strict Corona requirements, the lack of contact with friends or homeschooling are challenging. Talk about it with your child and convey that it’s okay to have a bad day or to be unhappy about the unfamiliar situation. Through open and understanding communication, your child experiences affection and learns to speak openly about their feelings and needs.
6. Solve conflicts empathetically
Being together a lot also offers enough potential for conflict. Resolve disputes by showing understanding and compassion for the other side. Talk to your children about their individual needs so that your offspring learns to assert themselves and stand up for themselves in the long term.
