Routines organize, provide security and predictability in everyday life. They are, therefore, fundamental to the well-being of all - children, youth and adults - in this phase that we are going through. Maintain routines and schedules to: Sleep; Rise; Personal hygiene; Wear; Main meals. Do not forget to separate weekdays from weekends and use weekends for a break or routine change. Set a schedule for: Moments for learning / school; Time to play and relax; Time to talk to friends and family (use and abuse the phone and video calls).. Involve the child in this process, adjust to their needs and reality. Listen and validate their thoughts and emotions. Negotiate! There may be moments of challenge, difficulties in this process. Days will be more or less easy. Flexibility! Find alternatives when possible and be firm / objective on key issues. Thank children for what they are doing and remind them that they are protecting themself and those around them, preventing the virus from spreading. And remember: children will always be children. Some suggestions: Most children sleep little during the school period, so you can allow them to wake up a little later, keeping the hour to fall asleep. Restful and quality sleep allows a better regulation of emotions, behavior, attention and memory. It is important to maintain the usual hygiene routine (washing your teeth, shower) and wear comfortable clothing. Don't let them stay in pajamas. After all, a new day e starting! Do a little physical exercise and say hello to the sun. Sunlight and exercise help activate alertness. Take meals with all family, take the time to talk about the day events. Do not invite your television, tablet or mobile phone to the table. Organize a space to work: the child own place, with the necessary equipment and materials, where they cannot play. Get it ready for the next day. Supervise schoolwork. At home, the learning hours are generally shorter than usual school hours and there are many distractions. If you are workinf from home, remember your company and the school that we live in exceptional times, which justifies adaptations from part to part. Ask the child for suggestions. Create the “suggestion box”, where everyone can post what they would like to see changed and opinions. When possible, it is important that parents, in turn, have some time for themselves. When you feel overwhelmed, take a break, breathe and prioritize. Rearrange to adjust. Centro de Neurodesenvolvimento e Comportamento da Criança e Adolescente Hospital da Luz Lisboa Março, 2020 Author : Alexandra Brandão Meet the Centre for Neurodevelopment and Child and Adolescent Behaviour team . Click here for news, more information and advice of Hospital da Luz about the novel coronavírus COVID-19 epidemic . The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
