Behaviour management for children
Is your child showing behavioural changes during this lockdown?
The whole world is stressed about the coronavirus. We being adults are undergoing a lot of
mental changes and having muddled thoughts about the current situation.
Imagine the state of a child?! They may be wondering why can’t they play outside or meet
their friends. They are still immature to handle the situation. A child will definitely undergo
a lot of emotional changes. Few children may express it and few may not.
Parents these days may witness a lot of behavioural changes in children. Children may be
anxious, stressed, angry, frustrated etc.
Few simple tips to address behavioural changes in children –
1. Love
They need loads and loads of your love. Please don’t be calculative in expressing your
love towards them. The child should feel genuinely loved. Physical touch is the primary
way of expressing your love towards children. Hug them, kiss them and make them feel
special.
2. Communicate
Communication is the most important tool to be used effectively with children. You
need to communicate with your child. Talk to them frequently. Ask them open ended
questions. Talk about their emotions, how are they feeling, do they need help etc.
Communicate to your children about the current situation. Tell them we are safe at
home, we have enough food, we need to be grateful, we can help other people by giving
charity etc.
3. Gifts
Did I say gifts?
Yes, give them simple gifts available at home. Give them a new pencil or any available
items, wrap it up and tell them it is a gift for them. Children love gifts. They need to
feel valued.
4. Emotional bonding with children
Spend quality time with your children. Do not force them too much into online classes
and academics. Allow them to learn at their own pace. Have family rituals like eat
together, play together, reading time, story time, family talk time etc4. Emotional bonding with children
Spend quality time with your children. Do not force them too much into online classes and academics. Allow them to learn at their own pace. Have family rituals like *pray together* eat together, play together, reading time, story time, family talk time etc.
5. Play
You need to play with your children. You do not need expensive toys. Use available
resources at home and get going. Allow them to help you in daily chores. Let them do
the basic chores at home. Teach them life skills.
Play will aid in their physical well-being. Play is a very powerful tool of children. Power
of play is such that it fosters their physical, cognitive (intellectual), language, social
and emotional skills. The child’s holistic need of development and learning is achieved
through play. So be intentional and allow children to play with available resources at
home.
Parents you play a vital role in helping children cope up with the current situation.
You can do it! You will help your children tide over this current situation smoothly.
They will remember you and the way they were treated. These will remain etched in their
memories. Give them good memories to remember.
Happy parenting!
About:
Iffath Bint Haroon is an Early Childhood Consultant, Parenting Coach, Teacher Trainer,
Content Writer (in Early Childhood domain), Author of Children Books and Certified
Happiness Life Coach. Her motto in life is to empower parents and teachers with tools to
raise street-smart children.