Lockdowns are hard. Parenting a toddler is hard. Parenting a toddler during a lockdown is really hard! As adults, we have coping mechanisms in place for dealing with change and making ourselves feel better during uncertain times. Toddlers on the other hand, don’t have the same life experience or emotional maturity to figure out what to do in this novel situation. Their whole world has suddenly been turned upside down, and their usual routines of playdates, visits with grandparents and trips to the library have come to an abrupt halt. Many parents report that their toddler is regressing in certain domains such as sleep, toileting or eating; and challenging behaviours are on the rise as toddler’s struggle to adjust to the lockdown. So what can parents do to help their little toddlers deal with this lockdown a little better?
Routines are important
Firstly, do your best to create a routine, and stick to it. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy, but make sure that each day has some general structure to it. Playtime after breakfast, a walk after lunch and books before nap time. The more you repeat your daily routine, the more your toddler will know what to expect, making them feel safe and secure. Make sure to get dressed every day - I know, easier said than done - and have mealtimes at about the same time each day.
"It's ok to be scared"
Catering to your toddler’s emotional needs during this time is extremely important. Reassuring your toddler that they are safe, and everyone they love is safe will help them deal with any anxiety or stress. “We’re at home with our family and your friend is also at home with their family!” It also helps them feel less alone knowing that everyone else is also staying home. At the same time it is important to acknowledge any hard feelings your toddler is having about the lockdown. If they say they’re scared, empathise with them - “It’s ok to be scared, but I’m going to take care of you.”
"It's not your fault"
With many of their daily activities interrupted or put on pause, your toddler might be exhibiting some big feelings - namely anger or withdrawal. Toddlers are extremely egocentric, and your toddler might think that they are the reason why they can’t go to grandma’s house anymore. It is very reassuring for your toddler to hear you tell them “it’s not your fault that swimming lessons are cancelled.” Even though it seems obvious to you, your toddler will feel a great sense of relief knowing they are not the reason why so much has changed in their life. Similarly, when toddlers ask (or rather demand) to do something that isn’t allowed due to the current health orders, empathise with them. “I wish you could go to your friends house, but we’re not allowed to go to other people’s houses right now.”
Doing nothing is doing something
My final piece of advice for surviving this lockdown with a toddler is to not put too much pressure on yourself to keep them busy and entertained. I believe that in normal times, toddlers are way over-scheduled and spend much of their days rushing from place to place. My 3 year old nephew put it perfectly when he woke up the other day and said happily to his mum “so, are we doing nothing again today?” Boredom is actually good for your toddler’s creativity and problem solving, so don’t stress when you worry that you're not being a superhuman Pinterest parent with incredible educational activities planned every day. Your toddler will relish in having uninterrupted time to play at home, as well as having more time with their favourite person - you!
Komentarji