Fifteen days without leaving home can be that dream that we have all wanted or, on the contrary, a difficult nightmare to cope with. But there is no other, because staying home right now is an act of responsibility. Without school, without going to work, or doing telework, without receiving visitors and with the idea that there are still many days ahead, we want to give you some advice and contributions.
Each case is different, because it is not the same to stay in a forty square meter apartment than in a house with a garden, or with small children than with teenagers. We give you ideas of how to approach confinement Because spending 100% of the time indoors can have negative consequences on mental health and well-being.
How to explain to children that they cannot leave the house
For the boys and girls it is a reason for joy not to go to school and also that all their loved ones are at home. Many of them have taken this confinement with tremendous joy, until they begin to understand that they can't go out or see their friends either.
That's why it's important to know explain what is happening, what is the coronavirus and why the confinement occurs. Although stories and videos are circulating online to explain to your children what an epidemic, pandemic, or contagious disease is. Forever it is better to do it out loud, It comes from people they trust, but these videos can guide you.
Do not hide information from them, even less with teenagers. Children may resort to fanciful arguments, the product of their imagination, to compensate for the lack of information. But prevent them from watching the news, so that you are the ones who calmly convey the information to them.
It is also recommended assume coexistence and be proactive, share tasks and responsibilities at home, that parents have the opportunity to take control. This is the time to show patience, bond and get to know each other better.
Order and routine during confinement
Experts talk about taking advantage of these days to create an environment that makes us feel good. We all know how the exterior affects the emotions, health and even family and couple relationships. For the method to work, the change has to be radical and perhaps this is a historic opportunity to put the house in order.
Let each member of the house clean and organize their space. As much as you think children are too young, they are also capable of running their own marathon with us and with our supervision. This will boost your self-esteem and will be a fun and effective exercise.
It is important during confinement maintain certain routines both for children and for caregivers who also have their own responsibilities. Setting a schedule is going to be very helpful. A good way is to do it day by day, at night to schedule each one for the next day.
Some proposals for schedules
It is about establishing a flexible schedule, in which a series of objectives are met, rather than the feeling of established guidelines. For example, getting up in the morning with an alarm clock at the time that is negotiated, washing up and dressing in comfortable clothes to be at home. Pajamas are not recommended all day. Prepare breakfast and do housework, in which all members of the household can contribute. It is a good time to learn to do homework.
Establish a schedule for academic assignments that from the educational centers they have given him. The study can find support with other siblings, or the parents themselves.
And now comes the most difficult, that free time after meals and in the middle of the afternoon in which our sons and daughters will ask us for more time with television, video games, tablets, telephones. You have to be flexible, let them know that this is an extraordinary situation. It is better to propose activities such as crafts, music, dances, board games, etc.
And to end the day a good bath at the end of the day.