By: N. Orisajo

As many island nations are now under stay at home orders or curfews and with schools being closed, many parents and/or caregivers are now wondering, what they can do to keep their children educated and happy during this time.  We here at Voyager Caribbean have some tips that can help parents during COVID-19.

1. Establish Learning times and days for your child:

With many schools being closed as a result of this pandemic, its important to develop a lesson plan and learning times for your child. According to UNICEF, dedicating times that your child will perform his or her school work is essential since It gives them a form of structure, while allowing them to fulfill their educational requirements.

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2. Review important assignments given by your child’s teacher:

During this unprecedented time, it’s important that we try to keep our children’s minds engaged.  Many schools have provided learning objectives and assignments for children to achieve during this time.  We encourage that you take the time to review topics and assignments with your child.  It would create some sense of normalcy for them and can become a time in which you both can bond on one goal, learning!

3. Encourage your child to read or Read to them:

Stephen King once said that “books are a uniquely portable magic”.  Reading is the perfect escape, especially during a pandemic!  Reading can take one to different places such as being a sailor on the seas or a princess! Children need an escape and encouraging them to read or you reading to them can provide such an outlet for them.

4. Invent your own game!

How cool would it be for you to have your own game that you created with your family! Having some fun, while being safe at home, helps the mind.  Your kids will have fun and so will you!

5. Talk to your children

   

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Many children understand that their world has changed.  Now, that they are not in school and must remain indoors and cannot play with friends, their reality has changed.  UNICEF promotes the importance of speaking to your children about the virus. Having a conversation, that is kid friendly, about what is going on can reassure them that you care hear and understand their concerns.

For more information and guidance on this topic, please visit UNICEF’s article on the Tips for parenting during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: Ideas to help parents and caregivers do the most important job in the world.