If you have still not noticed that Valentine’s Day is around the corner, then you are most certainly living under a rock. It really does not matter if you have a special someone or not, you cannot escape the hype this occasion brings as soon as February begins.
During these trying times of pandemic when everyone has been advised to stay at home to ward off the infection, it is becoming difficult with each passing day as to how to manage kids at home. It’s all the more difficult when a child’s requirement is special. There are certain things which if can be done and managed properly, we can say with reasonable surety that this too shall pass. We strongly believe that childhood comes once and that it should be addressed with utmost sincerity. We understand that there are several limitations in replicating the same environment that a child gets when mingling with peers but few things if done at home, one may be able to fill the gap. Parents need to set realistic expectations, they need to be realistic about their expectations about how much teaching can happen at home.
As a parent of a special child, one should still maintain the discipline of waking up on time so that child also gets up early so that early morning can be utilised for doing some physical exercises. For those attending the online school modified list of assignments can be obtained from the teacher. If need be can schedule a remote therapy session with the child’s therapist. You may use the visual cue cards, photos, videos to teach the child various skills at home. If there are some Pressing needs, some behaviours requiring immediate attention then parents may seek a tele-consult with their developmental paediatrician to provide them with written guidance and treatment. The structure and routine of the day should be maintained and have a morning routine of toileting needs, brushing, bathing and breakfast. Have fixed timing for learning and play. The learning slots can vary from 15 minutes to 45 minutes depending on how long the child can sit through and focus at a stretch. Give them breaks and rewards in between the learning activities to keep the motivation high. Avoid threatening and punishing them.
Incorporating some physical activity schedule during the day can be enjoyable and will help channelise their extra energy and keep them better regulated. It is important to know your child’s sensory needs and addressing them from time to time can help them be more sensorily integrated and settled.
Teaching children self-help skills, involving them and allowing them to participate in the daily chores like setting up the dinner table, teaching them how to use a washing machine, watering the plants etc are some of the important life skills. Gardening, watering the plants and taking care of plants can help children connect with nature. Indulging in nature can build a sense of responsibility towards conserving it.
While we are teaching various skills to our children with special needs, teaching them the new rules of social distancing, wearing a mask and sanitising and cleaning their hands are important core skills to protect them and be able to keep them safe during these Covid times.
Staying home and staying safe is important but at the same time, parents need to actively participate in teaching their children with special needs for continuity of care and learning for them. Try applying some of the above-mentioned strategies to ease the lockdown phase of staying home. Seek support from professionals to help you navigate through the distance learning programs.
The author is a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician & Co-founder of Continua Kids.