Parenting Survival Tips During the Coronavirus Pandemic: How to Cope With COVID-19 When At Home With Kids by Carew Papritz (The Cowboy Philosopher)

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government made a transformative, yet necessary decision to close schools across the country and switch to distance learning. Parents across the country are now faced with the sudden challenge of keeping their children occupied at home. During this time of uncertainty and stress, it's crucial for parents to convey confidence and be prepared.

Although there's no category for this virus inside our own experience, parents need to be accountable to make this transition easy to ensure the continued education and family structure for their children. Here are some tips:

1. Maintain Structure and Normalcy: Implement procedures that maintain the normalcy of operations as much as possible, keeping a structured routine throughout the day. This is probably the most important to keep your kids on track and ensure your sanity.

Set aside specific times for activities – reading time, watching educational videos, playing educational games and lessons that teachers have provided. But not all of this structure has to revolve around classroom education. Take time to teach your kids how to eat healthily and make their lunch, build something, paint pictures, go for a hike/walk or practice a musical instrument, if available. Take advantage of opportunities that you normally would not have time for and cherish these teachable moments.

2. Eliminate Hysteria and Hype: Fear and panic are detrimental distractions, especially in the minds of young children who are the most vulnerable with ever-evolving brains. A parent’s anxiety fuels or otherwise reinforces his or her kid’s own fears, yet this state of hysteria surrounding coronavirus can be damaging towards a child's education, experiences and purpose. Children should be educated and up to date on the current situation but monitor the intake of information and make sure it comes from trusted factual sources.

3. Use Educational Resources Beyond What the School Provides: From websites like Outschool, YouTube and Audible, you can find various informative activities, videos and e-books to keep your kiddos occupied and engaged. 

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