5 Tips to Support Your Child’s Development During COVID-19

If you became a new parent during the COVID-19 pandemic and you’ve been worried about your child’s social development, you’re not alone. According to Forbes, the pandemic has had an impact on children’s social skills. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can help to support your child’s development while still keeping them safe during COVID-19.

1. Enroll in a Virtual Preschool Program

Results show that children attending full-day programs did better on mathematics and literacy tests than children in a 2.5-hour to a 3-hour public preschool program. The achievement gains continued at least until the end of the first grade. Although the pandemic has limited physical education, enrolling your children in a virtual preschool program would be best.

Virtual preschool education will significantly affect your child’s early development. Your child will learn about different things and develop social skills during the program. The program will also improve their self-esteem and motivation. The good thing about virtual preschool education programs is that they are cost-effective, convenient, self-paced, and flexible.

2. Reach Out for Support

Reaching out for support can be very uncomfortable. However, don’t shy away from asking for support if you and your child need it. Child support is payable until the child turns 21 years old.

If you have a child with a partner with whom you are separated, be sure to ask for child support to help enroll them in classes and programs that could help them with their development. The payment should be ongoing and periodic to save you from the financial burden of raising a child alone.

Besides child support, you can seek support from friends, family, and neighbors. Don’t torture yourself by trying to figure out everything on your own. Ask your family and friends how to deal with certain situations concerning your child’s development during the pandemic.

You can even talk to parenting counselors to help you with certain issues that require professional help.

3. Exercise Together

The pandemic coupled with moving restrictions can force a family to lead a sedentary lifestyle. Being physically active is important in improving your child’s development. That said, make it a habit to regularly exercise with your child. As a general rule of thumb, your child should be physically actives at least 30 minutes a day.

Ensure the activities are light and appropriate for your child. You can engage them in various activities, such as long walks, bike rides, yoga, and other workout activities.

To keep your children engaged, make the activities fun and competitive. Do family exercises and promise your children some reward after the exercise to motivate them.

4. Practice Activities that Promote Creativity and Learning

Apart from enrolling in a virtual preschool program or exercising, there are other activities that foster creativity and learning. Engage your children in reading activities to improve learning, literacy, and communication. Allow your child to participate by asking them to read some parts or predict future events in the story.

Aside from reading, puzzles, building blocks, coloring, and games are activities that allow your child to develop creativity and problem-solving skills. These activities are also effective in improving cognitive growth. Engage your child in such activities to enhance their development during COVID-19.

5. Go for Doctor’s Visits

Many parents can make the mistake of missing doctor’s visits because of the pandemic. Don’t do this! Seeing your family pediatrician is significant in keeping your child healthy and supporting their development during the pandemic.

Your family practitioner will evaluate your child’s health and provide solutions to any concerns. They will also assess your child’s development and advise you appropriately to help foster your kid’s growth and development. The visits are also necessary for updating immunizations and other medication your child might need.

Bottom Line

The development of your child should not cease because of COVID-19. Follow these five tips to foster your child’s development during these hard times. Contact family professionals if you need help or have any questions.