6 Ways to Help Toddlers Feel OK During Lockdown
One of the hardest things I have found since lockdown began is how to explain it all to my 2 year old. Rex doesn’t understand why he can’t go to nursery, visit the shops or spend time with nana and grandad so we are finding ways to make sure he feels OK during lockdown.
It is so important to help your children with both their physical and mental health during this pandemic so, if you are looking for ways to help your toddlers feel OK during lockdown then maybe the tips below will help you.
Table of Contents
Routine
Children love routine, so try to have a routine that is as similar as possible to what they are used to, despite being house bound. Keep mealtimes and bedtimes the same and set up daily games that you can play together at certain times. Routines make children feel safe.
Explain
If they are old enough to understand, explain why things are different – using age appropriate language. Children won’t understand why they suddenly aren’t allowed to go outside to the playground or to see a friend. Say something like “we need to stay inside for a bit because outside is feeling a little bit poorly at the moment so we need to wait until it feels better.”
Make Things Fun
Make hand washing etc FUN. Challenge them to sing “happy birthday” three times whilst washing their hands, or turn it into a competition and see who can make their hands the “soapiest” whilst washing. You could even have a reward chart for every time they wash their hands well.
Keep in Touch
If you, as a parent, are unwell and have decided to send your little one to a friends/their grandparents to be looked after whilst you are in isolation, then make sure you communicate with them as much as possible. Video calls are something you can do every day to reassure them you are ok and miss them.
Communicate with Friends
5. If your child has been put into isolation then try and make sure they still have a chance to communicate with other children. Video call a friend who has a child of a similar age and let them see each other.
Turn it into a game
If you feel happier if your toddler wears a mask, turn it into a game. Tell your toddler that he can be a “doctor” for the day and explain that doctors always wear masks when they are doing “important things.” Children like having fun so turn anything they might initially view as “scary” into a game.
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