Positive parenting practices
have significant impact on cognitive, emotional and social
development of children [1]. It leads to better cognitive,
language and social development of kids. Positive parenting
practices decrease the externalizing behaviours in children
[2]. Parent training intervention for the promotion of
positive parental practices is effective in reducing the
behavioural problems in kids [3]. The stress in family will
decrease and family cohesion will improve.
Positive parenting provides affection as well as emotional
security for kids. This nurturing and responsive parenting
will increase the social competence of children and make them
more optimistic. Positive parenting is associated with greater
emotional well-being in children. It supports the child’s best
interests, but sets boundaries. Providing boundaries teaches
children accountability and responsibility in daily life.
Positive parenting will foster self-confidence, self-control,
self-determination, creativity, empathy, honesty, motivation
and resilience in children.
Emotional Impact of the Pandemic on Children and Parents
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is having negative
impact in the life of millions of people in the world. For
lots of families, there have been big changes in everyday
routines. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, about 1·38 billion
children are out of school, without any access to group
activities. Keeping children engaged and safe at home is a
difficult task for many parents especially for those living in
crowded households [4]. The pandemic has brought significant
stress for several parents all over the world [5].
Social distancing and refrained outdoor activities during the
pandemic have brought children into a difficult situation.
Many children are anxious, bored, sad and worried by
quarantines and school closures. Younger children are more
likely to act out their stress through their aggressive
behaviour. COVID-19 pandemic affected the emotions and
lifestyle of adolescents [6]. Adolescents may become irritable
as they miss events with friends and peer group.
In the study during coronavirus disease outbreak in India to
analyse the psychological impact of quarantine experience on
children, it was found that worry (68.59%), helplessness
(66.11%) and fear (61.98%) were the common feelings
experienced by children [7].
In the study conducted in China during COVID-19 epidemic, the
common behavioural problems seen among 320 children and
adolescents (168 girls and 142 boys) aged 3-18 years were
clinginess, irritability and fear. The most common symptoms in
children in the age group (3-6 years) were clinginess and
fear. Inattention and persistent inquiry were observed in
children aged 6 to 18 years [8].
Positive Parenting During the Pandemic
To prepare children for the pandemic, significant effort and
planning are required [9]. Parents should provide the most
favourable environment at home to improve the physical, social
and emotional well-being of children. Give information to
children in age-appropriate way about the pandemic and the
challenges it brings to their life. It is very important to
teach children how to keep themselves safe during the
pandemic. Make the children understand the importance of the
rules like hand washing, using masks and staying home which
are essential for the family to stay healthy. Reassure
children that parents are for them always and make the
children optimistic. Tell the child in a calm voice before
leaving the house for work or essential activities, where you
are going as well as when you will return. Explain to children
the steps which the parent is taking, to stay safe. Help the
children and empower them to adapt to the sudden change in
lifestyle. Consistent and empathetic approach will make the
children happy and optimistic.
Care of Infants, Toddlers and Preschool Children
These children need constant supervision and attention. Face
to face interactions with infants and toddlers will
significantly improve the language and social skills.
Scientific studies have shown that even children as young as
two years of age, are able to understand some of the changes
around them, related to the pandemic. While providing children
with an explanation about the pandemic, the child’s age and
level of understanding should be considered. Always ensure
that children do not feel frightened [10]. While staying home,
parents can give effective training to toddlers for acquiring
the self-help skills needed for daily living. Story-telling
and getting involved in indoor age appropriate play activities
with pre-school children, will definitely improve the
parent-child bonding.
Well-being of School-Age Children and Adolescents
Plan everyday activities for the kids creatively. Drawing,
painting, art works, singing, dancing and using musical
instruments are some of the talents of children which can be
improved while staying indoors. Reading good story books and
playing indoor board games can be encouraged as leisure
activities. Healthy limits should be kept on screen time.
Children should be taught healthy eating habits. Encourage
activities that promote physical activity. In daily routine,
parents can do exercises with the kids for at least thirty
minutes.
If the child has learning difficulties, parents can help them
to improve their academic skills. Children and adolescents
should be encouraged to do the academic activities in the best
way in the online study sessions.
A time-table for children’s daily routines will be useful.
Structure the day and establish daily schedules. Set aside
special time for each child. Adolescents can help parents in
daily schedules. Make the children understand the value of
teamwork and collaboration. Assigning tasks at home can also
impart sense of responsibility in kids.
Become a role model for children and maintain harmonious
relationships at home with all the family members. Listen
empathetically and try to remain engaged with children. Make
the kids understand the importance of human values like
compassion and patience. Always reinforce good behaviours
through praise, privileges and rewards.
The parents have very important role in the timely recognition
and scientific management of negative emotions of children. It
is necessary that parents understand the anxiety and fears of
kids and try to solve their problems in a very calm way. Avoid
physical punishment because it can increase aggression in
children and it will significantly reduce the child's sense of
safety at home. Discourage and redirect unwanted behaviours by
finding something creative for the children to do. Increase
communication with children to address their anxiety. Play
with kids to alleviate loneliness. Parents should give
attention to sleep difficulties of children and maintain sleep
hygiene. If behaviour problems persist, get professional help
from experts in child guidance.
Parental Well-being
To prevent stress related disorders, parents have to take good
care of their nutrition, physical health and emotional
well-being. They should maintain healthy eating habits, take
regular exercise and get enough sleep.
Parents should learn to strike a balance between household
chores, tasks related to job, activities with children and
time for relaxation and recreation. Develop a time schedule
for daily activities which can be kept shuffling if needed, to
make the daily routines fresh and exciting. Each parent can
prioritise the time and distribute it scientifically among
various activities.
During the pandemic, strong emotional bonding should be built
with family members to live a fulfilling life. Improve
communication with family members. Consider the pandemic as a
pause to break the previous pattern of life and to develop a
much better parent-child relationship.
Conclusion
The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is profoundly affecting
the life of people around the globe. The time of the pandemic
is difficult for everyone. It is significantly challenging for
children. Positive parenting approach is sensitive to
children's individual needs and address the challenges in
daily life with empathy and respect. Positive parenting
techniques with compassion and kindness will give better
outcomes in child’s behaviour during the stressful period of
the pandemic. Positive discipline will also lead to better
emotional growth and make the children happy and better
adjusted in life. Through positive parenting, the energy of
kids can be channelled appropriately for the better
development of intellectual, emotional, academic and social
skills. By adopting the positive parenting skills, parental
stress can also be reduced. Children can be made more
resilient, emotionally stronger and better equipped to emerge
out of the crisis of pandemic towards a successful future
life.
References
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