How Europeans are Keeping Their Children Entertained During Lockdown
As of March 13, 2020, Europe had become the epicenter of the Coronavirus pandemic, according to the World Health Organization. After Italy was hit by the deadly virus, most European schools shut down by March 16, 2020. Schools are unlikely to open anytime before September 2020 in Europe. Parenting during the COVID-19 led lockdown can be a tough task. Children become restless and their mental health suffers. So how are Europeans ensuring that their little ones are coping well with the restrictions? Maybe we can learn something from them.
With a rising death rate across the world, going back to school has become a farfetched dream. However, learning support is regularly being provided to children. Multiple e-learning platforms are making sure that teachers and students remain connected. European countries like Finland and Sweden have arranged distance learning programs through digital means. This can help the children stay engaged in a healthy manner.
During this quarantine, parents are setting up a play timetable for their children. During the family play hour, the children can play dress-up, perform a dance or a skit or engage in indoor picnics. Apart from this, they also help the parents cook. They are chopping vegetables and mixing the batter. Such activities can be entertaining and help the child learn something productive during the COVID-19 isolation.
Homes with a backyard have set-up play equipment. Children love to spend time outdoors and the lockdown prevents them from getting the needed fresh air. Parents have upgraded the backyard with inflatable swimming pools or sand boxes. With basic tools like wooden planks, paints and ropes, they have also created interesting structures for the child. This has offered children a way to expend their pent-up energy.
Young minds are brimming with ideas and enthusiasm. And, parents are making the most of it during the isolation phase. Along with some human values, they are also teaching children a few crucial life skills. There are a number of short courses available online from top institutions like Imperial College in London. Apart from this, children are being enrolled in science lessons, piano classes, games development sessions and photography courses. These are great ways to keep the fun quotient intact and learn something new.
Fun workouts can have a great impact on both physical and mental health of children. Parents are making sure they are not stressful but packed with energy and amusement. Physical activities can boost keep them happily engaged and give an outlet to their restlessness. Dance parties and swimming lessons can be extremely refreshing and help develop movement skills. Introducing them to yoga poses or Zumba can keep their minds relaxed and content.
News from Europe is that a few countries, like France, have begun to ease the lockdown. But as long as the kids are home, it is important to give them productive activities and set up a routine for the day.