How To Stay Social During Social Isolation
During the COVID-19 crisis, participating in physical distancing and potentially social isolation is becoming more vital by the day. Observing these practices has a great significance in preventing the spread of the disease and in turn flattening the curve. These practices continue to be important as things begin to open back up.
With many families choosing to remain at home as schools and child care centres re-open, children are not getting the same level of social interaction that they are used to. Even in these unprecedented times, it is important for children to continue being social and have social interactions to promote social development. Social development plays a key role in evolving children’s language skills, building self-esteem, creating a positive mindset and attitude, and develops a child’s individuality and independence.
There are many ways to keep your child social even when they cannot physically be with their friends, teachers, family members, and other caregivers. A simple way of keeping children social is using technology. You can set up a playdate via FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, or any other video conferencing apps with friends or family members. You can also allow older children to keep in contact with their friends via text, email, or other social media. There are so many social networking sites these days that it is very easy to stay connected. You can host virtual game nights, virtually bake together, whatever you want. Get creative!
Another way to keep your children social is by enrolling them in an online class. During the COVID-19 many people, businesses, and companies have started to provide online classes for all ages. Whether your child is interested in dancing, yoga, cooking, music, art, or anything in between there are a variety of free or low-cost courses for them to take online.
There are ways to keep your child social without technology and screen-time as well. Just take one or two hours out of your day and engage in play with your child. Have a dance party, create a scavenger hunt, draw with sidewalk chalk, anything that involves you and your child. These interactions, even between parent and child, encourage social development.
These are very stressful times for everyone. It is okay if your children aren’t being as social as they were before or if they are spending a lot more time online and in front of a screen. What matters is the health and safety of you and your family. Remember, this not forever, it is just for now.
Stay strong, stay safe, and stay social.
The TTK Team
Check out the links below for more information on social development:
>https://aptparenting.com/social-development-in-children
>http://www.gratitudegardenpreschool.com/the-importance-of-social-and-emotionaldevelopment-in-young-children/
>https://www.scanva.org/support-for-parents/parent-resource-center-2/social-development-inchildren/