3 Ways of Raising Children During the COVID-19

 

 

 

Dr. Yodporn Hirunrath
Pediatric Endocrinologist and Diabetologist

 

 

     Since the outbreak of COVID-19, people around the world—including those of us in Thailand—have been living under difficult and unprecedented circumstances. Not only must adults take great care to avoid infection, but parents must also be vigilant in looking after their children. Many parents may be wondering how best to raise their children in a way that helps them navigate this situation safely and resiliently.

 

 

 

1. Special Time Between Parents and Children

     During the COVID-19 pandemic, children have been required to stay at home more than usual, just as parents are spending more time at home with their children. While this can be viewed positively as an opportunity to build stronger relationships, it also means a reduction in school and extracurricular activities. Therefore, it is recommended that parents engage in Quality Time or Special Time with their children for at least 10 to 15 minutes per day.

 

 

---

This time should be dedicated entirely to the child, without distractions such as mobile phones, television, or other tasks, so that the child feels genuinely valued and heard.

 

 

2. Encourage Positive Development Through Reinforcement

     It is advisable for parents to both increase and decrease certain aspects of their parenting approach. One important element to increase is Positive Reinforcement—offering praise and encouragement when the child exhibits good behavior. Be specific about what you are praising. Try to consistently focus on the child’s strengths.

 

3. Replace Harsh Discipline with Increased Love and Understanding

     On the flip side, parents should reduce their attention to undesirable behaviors. For example, if a child throws a tantrum or screams, try to ignore the behavior. When the child sees that such actions do not elicit a response, the behavior will gradually diminish. Reduce excessive criticism and instead, wait for a calm moment to discuss the behavior. If the child is old enough to explain their feelings, listen to them and calmly communicate your expectations.
 

 

 

---

In short, during the time spent with your child, they need love, trust, a sense of security, and a warm home environment.

 

 

The Role of Parents in Supporting Online Learning

Online learning poses varying degrees of challenges for different children, depending on their temperament. Generally, children may fall into one of the following categories:

 

• Type 1: Easygoing children
• Type 2: Difficult-to-manage children
• Type 3: Children who are sensitive and need time to adapt
• Type 4: Children who exhibit a mix of all the above traits

 

 

 

 

 

Recommendations For Pediatrics

     Each child is required to participate in online learning in the same way, but it is unrealistic to expect every child to be able to sit still and concentrate in front of a screen for extended periods. Parents should try to understand the temperament of their child. For instance, an easygoing child may have no problem focusing throughout an online class. In contrast, a child who is harder to manage may struggle, not because they are "bad" but simply due to their natural disposition.

 

 

---

Often, parents of these children may feel stressed or concerned, wondering why their child cannot focus like others. It is important to recognize and accept that this behavior is a natural part of who the child is.

 

 

2 Key Areas For Paying Special Attention

     Once parents understand their child’s personality, much of the worry surrounding online learning, which is likely a temporary adjustment during the pandemic, can be alleviated. However, there are two critical areas to monitor closely:

 

1. Sufficient Sleep

     Adequate sleep during weekdays ensures that children can concentrate better during online classes. It is also recommended that children avoid using mobile phones or playing games before and during class breaks, as it may make it harder for them to refocus. Encourage regular physical activity as well.

 

2. Eye Care and Screen Breaks

     Children should be encouraged to rest their eyes regularly while learning online. A useful rule is the 20-20-20 method: every 20 minutes, the child should look at something 20 feet (6–7 meters) away for 20 seconds. This helps reduce eye strain. Encourage frequent blinking and avoid having excessive lighting near the screen, as glare can decrease screen clarity and lead to eye fatigue. Using light-adjusting lenses may help reduce blue light exposure as well.

 

 

---

During this time together, children need above all else: love, trust, a sense of safety, and warmth at home.