Supporting Child Development During a Pandemic
Day in and day out, going to school or work can have its tiresome days. But, when it comes to kids, getting out in the world is important for the stages of child development. Whether it’s a birthday party or fun summer activities, every interaction is an opportunity for communication and learning! Social interactions are a little more difficult these days. Fortunately, there are things you can do to ensure your child experiences as few developmental delays as possible.
Maintain a Daily Schedule
A schedule is a necessary part of life when you’re running around all day. But, when it comes to being homebound, it can take a beating. Instead of letting it go, make sure that you instill some type of routine for your child. A set breakfast time or scheduled nap can do wonders for child development. It can also help them deal with their feelings in a world that’s less certain.
Keep Lines of Communication Open
It’s a scary time for all of us, adults and children alike. But that’s why it’s so important to talk to your children about how they feel. In fact, this easy engagement will enable them to tap into their emotions and build social emotional skills at home. Whether it’s at dinnertime or before bed, asking about their day can help stave off developmental delays in children.
Nurture Their Creativity and Learning
Extra downtime is a good opportunity to teach your child a lot of things. Instead of watching TV, read your child a book or even a newspaper. You can even have them read it on their own to nurture their communication abilities. Or have them guess where the story might go so they can come up with creative ideas. Different, challenging activities can help a child with developmental delays and further stimulate their learning.
Socialize With Safety in Mind
As adults, we may be able to get by with a little less socialization. However, child development stages by age require socialization with others to keep up. Instead of hiding out, make sure you and your child talk with neighbors or people at the grocery store when you’re out. Online games and video chats are also useful for getting in much needed talk-time for your little one.
Make Time for the Outdoors
Staying inside all the time isn’t going to make anyone feel good, especially your child. Make sure that you’re getting them outside for at least 30 minutes a day. A bike ride, a long walk or some playing in the park can be very helpful for child development. If the weather’s not ideal, online exercise videos are the perfect option bringing the fun indoors!
Keep Tabs on Child Development Stages
There’s no doubt that there’s a little more struggle for everyone during this time. That’s why consulting The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) child development checklist can help monitor how they’re doing. If your child is falling behind, you may want to contact your pediatrician for tips on what you can do to help.
The 4th wave of COVID is hard on all of us. But it’s easy to forget in all the hubbub that developmental delays can occur too. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid the pitfalls of a difficult time. By engaging your children and making time for creativity and face-to-face conversation, their development can stay on schedule. Be sure to read our blog for more tips on helping with child development.
References
Providence. Missing social and educational milestones during COVID-19. https://www.providence.org/news/uf/614770827
Cedars-Sinai. Supporting Your Child’s Development During COVID-19. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/child-development-during-covid-19.html
