At this time, most children have started the school term and have begun attending school. Each school has arranged teaching methods that align with the COVID-19 situation. Some schools have students attend every other day, while others have students attend every other week. On days when children stay at home, there may be supplementary online classes. Therefore, during this period, children will spend more time at home, and parents should know how to take care of their children in this New Normal era.
When children spend more time at home, how can parents cope?
- Of course, parents or caregivers must also adapt to this situation. Therefore, when children have to stay at home, parents should allocate their time according to their children’s study and activity schedules.
- For the time outside of online learning, daily activities should be planned. Parents can help think of activities together with the children, ensuring a variety of activities and clearly scheduling each activity.
- Examples of activities that help develop children include art activities such as drawing, coloring, and clay modeling; reading storybooks; games; puzzles; matching pictures; connect-the-dots; snakes and ladders; rhythm dancing; singing; playing musical instruments; cooking or baking; physical activities or exercise such as cycling, swimming, and playing football.
- Besides various activities, children should be trained to help themselves and perform daily routines independently, such as eating, bathing, brushing teeth, and dressing. Additionally, simple household chores can be assigned, such as folding blankets, making the bed after waking up, putting clothes in the laundry basket, hanging clothes, washing dishes, and watering plants.
- Avoid prolonged use of screen media. The screen time should be clearly limited, for example, no more than 1-2 hours per day.
During this extended time children spend at home, parents will experience more of their children’s mischief and stubbornness than when they are at school, combined with the parents’ own personal stress, which may increase stress and family relationship problems. Therefore, if parents notice inappropriate behavior in their children, such as excessive mischief, lack of concentration, impatience, or aggressive behavior, they should take their child to see a doctor for further consultation.
Child and Adolescent Health Center
Phyathai 2 Hospital, Building B, 2nd Floor
Opening Hours
Open daily from 06:30 – 20:00 (Services at Building B, 2nd Floor)
and 20:00 – 22:00 (Services at Building A, 1st Floor)
Phone Number
02-617-2444 ext. 3219, 3220
