Parenthood is a dream that almost every individual would want to happen to them – a new beginning, a new phase, more importantly discovering another aspect of being oneself. What comes next after parenthood is parenting which is the act of bringing up a child or raising a child. The easier it comparatively is to become a parent, the more difficult it is to get parenthood correct. There are no pre-defined rules which are to be followed, every lock has a different key, and everyone tries their best to be the best parent. However, it is not about being the best parent, it is about how good the relation is between a child and its parents.

One very first thought which is common among every parent is that they believe that their children copy them a lot and so it is important for them to act or behave correct in front of them. But more than doing things correctly, it is important to make children understand the difference between what is right and what is not and let them decide things.

This year 2020 brought something very strange with it which no one expected, no one has an experience, and no one knows how to deal with it. A growing pandemic followed by a lockdown which seems to be extending day by day changed everyone’s life. A situation where even adults find it difficult to cope, children too are confused. The role of parents during a lockdown is not different from a regular day, however, it increases more as the children are at home 24/7.

Realizing Hygiene - The first thing to be taught or emphasized upon is to take care of their health and stress more on the hygiene factor. Rather than making it sound scary, they should be made to understand how important it is to wash hands regularly, sanitizing things frequently, covering faces while coughing or sneezing, maintaining physical distance and also to eat the right diet.

Classroom co-operation - The lockdown has converted the real world into a virtual one and bringing the classrooms at home. The initial days of lockdown and online classes may seem to be interesting to the kids but slowly this tends to be boring making them find excuses or disrupt the classes. It’s now imperative to be with them during the classes, make them understand the efforts of the teachers and help them co-operate.

Observing and Keeping Connected - One of the main reasons for kids to go to schools is to be with their friends as they enjoy each other’s company. Not able to meet them for days do have an impact on them mentally. While some kids express it, there are kids who cannot express, feel lonely and depressed. Observe their behavior, talk to them, be connected to them physically and emotionally with regular chats, random hugs and kisses, make them feel understood and covered.

Playing Together - Since there are also restrictions in outdoor games and activities, take out time for indoor games. Play card or board games with them, do not let them win intentionally, let them lose and see how they react. Let them learn to accept defeat in a positive and graceful way so that they understand the fun of a healthy competition.

Creating and Maintaining Routine - With the schools closed, the habit of a mundane life is disturbed and everyday seems like a holiday. Let the kids write down their own routine for the day, help them manage timings for their studies and recreation. They will be happy to create something like this and also execute it.

Learning Life Skills - Another important habit is to involve the kids in small household chores like washing their own dishes, folding their clothes, arranging the bed or make a snack for themselves etc. These not only make them feel included but also help them learn life skills. If they have a pet, let them take care of the pet and not just play with it.

Bed Time Talk - Talk to them before bedtime, ask them how the day was and see if they felt de-motivated. Teach them to be patient and positive, ask what new or different they would like to do in the coming days. Ask them to come up with ideas to keep themselves busy.

Talk Positive - Lastly, always say positive things to them. Small things like “You are helpful”, “You did that so well”, “I trust you”, “Never stop trying” etc. can go a long way in building their confidence.

The lockdown is another new opportunity to parenting. Celebrate it rather than worrying about it. Remember you are not managing an inconvenience; you are raising a human being. Be true to yourself and trust your ethics, because, children at times may not listen to you, which is very natural, but they will always love to imitate you, which gives you the easiest hint to teach them everything you desire.

- PUBLISHED BY SFS NARENGI, GUWAHATI