TIPS TO SUPPORT SURVIVING EXTENDED AT HOME TIME

Divide up the house for different functions

Nobody likes feeling constantly on top of each other. Define clear zones in your house for certain activities, to limit chaos - Adult only zones, Child play zones, Noisy rough and tumble areas, Quiet activities only (Put a map of this on the fridge for everyone to see)

Plan out both rewards and discipline

Work out what child behaviours you want to see more of and what behaviours you want to see less of. Plan responses for both. Positive behaviours like following instructions and playing nicely should be rewarded with praise, cuddles, affection, prizes and one on one time. Problem behaviours like fighting, aggression and refusing to follow instructions should be met with calm, clear consequences. Use consequences like losing a privilege or time-out. Rule to remember, give more attention to positive behaviours over negative. Make sure rewards are fun, unpredictable and emotional; while discipline should be predictable, boring and non-emotional.

Brainstorm and schedule activities for the week

Plan out the morning, afternoon, and evening of each day, in advance. Choose a mixture of creative, learning and silly activities, mixed with regular chores. Try to make it all as much fun as you can. Again, put the activity schedule on the fridge to keep your kids and yourself busy.

Hold a family meeting.

Involve the entire household, listen to your kid's opinions, and keep it fun. The more kids feel like they're part of the process, the better. Make decisions as a family team and shake on it at the end of the meeting.

Schedule in special time for each child individually

Start with 30 minutes here and there to check in with your child and make them feel cared for.

Schedule in some parent-only time

Nurturing your adult relationships and connections has to be a priority too.

Don't try to be referee

Trying to find out who started what, and who did what to whom, is only sometimes useful. It can actually reinforce the fighting. Instead, treat children as a team, refuse to get involved in pointing fingers and reward them as a group for playing nicely. Apply consequences to them as a group, if they are fighting and not playing well together.

Re-discover the love

Finally, try to make this fun and re-discover the love. Think back to the positive reasons you wanted children and a family. Forgive minor irritations and open up to spending more time together. Bring back the laughter and joy in the little things that happen each day and the fact you are all together.

Talking to kids about COVID-19

If your child is uneasy, anxious or confused about what’s in the news, you’re not alone. Talking to your child calmly, simply and honestly will help them adjust. Sudden changes to kids’ routines can make them upset or anxious, so gently explain how their day-to-day might be different over time. For older kids, it’s likely they’re getting information from friends and the media, so talk to them about whatever they’re hearing. Consider how much screen time they have daily, and if it’s helping or hurting.

Let your kids know it’s OK to ask questions, and that they can come to you whenever they need

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