During this pandemic, parents are worried that their toddlers and little ones are not getting or building the relationships they need to ensure their social development. With COVID changing the way we do everything, especially how we socialize, it is understandable that parents are concerned about how this will affect their young children.
Taking its toll
It’s been said numerous times that little kids need socialization to help them learn things such as impulse control, and how to be able to behave among their peers. Not being able to let children play in groups may be detrimental to their development. But there are some ways around this. It just takes a little creativity, and leaning on things we already have in our homes!
Some tips for parents
So here are some tips for parents and how to ensure that their little ones can still learn social skills in the time of quarantine:
1. Use the screen to your advantage.
In any given household, we have screens that we look at: the phone, the TV, the computer or laptop. Why not use this to our advantage? There are many educational games online that toddler or pre-school kids can play!
Use the screen to your advantage
2. Use the screen to go somewhere fun!
Your phone, tablet or laptop can also be used to go and virtually visit museums and see shows. There are a whole bunch of museums around the world that have opened up their virtual doors and you and your child can take the tour of it, in the comfort of your own home!
There are also many plays and theaters that are opening up their doors through streaming, which is usually free. You can even watch a show!
Use the screen to go somewhere fun!
3. If there are siblings, then there is a party.
Usually siblings may be come with rivalry, but use this to your advantage. Do a simple activity with them, like bake cookies or make pancakes, and see how they eventually start cooperating.
If there are siblings, then there is a party!
4. Indoor adventure.
Try doing a mini scavenger hunt with your toddler. It can be within a room! Try to make the “treasure” something educational (but fun) like finding a book and saying that this will be their bedtime story for tonight.
5. Indoor Games.
These really are the best! Easy games such as “RED LIGHT / GREEN LIGHT” is a game that helps with impulse control with your toddler. Or do a mini stop-dance party! Get your exercise in as well as some learning.
6. Imagination is everyone’s friend.
Perhaps taking a leaf out of one of the story books your child has, you should try and act out the book using your child’s toys and stuffed animals. Or even act out scenarios where their toys act out “sharing” or even “kindness”.
Imagination is everyone’s friend.
There is a lot you can do to help your toddler’s social development along during this time of quarantine. Though it may not be ideal, it is something that can be done in the safety of your home.
To read more about your child’s social development, CLICK HERE.