EDUCATION DURING PANDEMIC

Leonardo G. David, Jr.

Two decades into the 21st century but none of us has come prepared for a pandemic caused by a deadly strain of a viral disease. Indeed, everyone has been caught off guard—changing the dynamics of our society and forcing us to adapt the “new normal.”

COVID-19 brought about a wave of challenges for everyone in the world. It is a shock in the socio-economic presence of mankind on top of the health disaster it came with. People are scrambling to make sense of everything that is happening and find some form of normalcy in between. One of the challenges associated with COVID-19 is parenting in the middle of the pandemic. As an adult, it is easy to understand what to do and what not to do during the pandemic; it is comprehensible for adults to follow guidelines and protocols, however, unfortunately, the same may not be true for children. Growing up, children are inclined to play outside, see friends, go to school, and all the things that we can no longer do regularly amidst the pandemic.

In order to cope up with these challenges, here are a few parenting tips one could follow to help children understand the situation.

Answer your child’s questions with honesty

Children would surely ask you questions – why are they not allowed to play with their friends, why can’t they go to the mall, why can’t they go to their favorite restaurant, etc. It is important to not sugar coat your answers, however, make sure that they are answered in a manner that would be simple enough for children to understand. Use comparisons, try and affiliate the situation with something that they are familiar with like their favorite TV show. This helps them get a better grip of the situation.

Take advantage of technology

We are now living in a more advanced technological age – this has been highlighted most especially during lockdown. Think of ways you may use technology and fully utilize it: do not be stuck in allowing your children to use mobile devices for games and watching videos online; keep in touch with friends and loved ones, organize an online party or play dates for your kids and their friends, explore educational resources that children find entertaining and knowledgeable at the same time.

Instill positivity and hope

While it is easy to get caught up with all the news and growing positive cases, it is critical as adults to instill positivity in children. Have them look forward to when they can play outside again, when they can go back to seeing their friends. As a word of caution, while positivity is the key element, it is important to stick to reality as well. Set their expectations that things may not go back to the way it was and help children understand the reason why.

There is no guaranteed formula to a successful parenting, COVID-19 or not, what’s important is we try our best to help guide children in being responsible and comprehensible in everything that they deal with on a day-to-day basis. No parenting is perfectly planned or made, techniques may vary depending on the child, however, you may always stick to the basics in helping yourself, and your children deal with the pandemic.

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The author is Principal II at Escaler Elementary School, Escaler, Magalang,

Pampanga