Children grow and learn best when there is structure in their lives. Since kids don’t have a great deal of control, routines are a great way to allow them to feel a sense of comfort, organization and stability.
Research repeatedly shows that kids who have routines are better behaved and develop more self-control. With today’s COVID-19 crisis, many families are seeing their normal routines up-ended. This can cause stress and anxiety for all members of those families – especially children.
While the way families operate may have changed during the current pandemic, that doesn’t mean that routines are no longer necessary. In fact, establishing structure in the lives of children (and adults) has never been more important.
Trying to stick to the same routine they had in place before COVID-19 hit is not possible for most families. However, new ones can be established relatively quickly and they can be just as effective as the old ones. If you have had trouble establishing structure to your days since the pandemic hit, there is no reason you can’t start now. Here are some suggestions to help you do just that:

Keep it simple. Elaborate routines are not only unnecessary they are often quickly abandoned. For younger children, a visual chart is a good way to allow them to understand what is expected of them each day.

Stick to regular bedtimes. Children who are well rested and go to bed and get up at the same time every day are better behaved and able to learn more effectively.

  1. Get dressed. When you stay in pajamas all day it is harder to get motivated. Changing out of pajamas each morning can make a big difference in how kids approach the day.
  2. Serve meals at the same time. Regular mealtimes are comforting and prevent snacking all day. They also stave off mood swings created when children get hungry.
  3. Assign chores. Chores help kids feel as if they are a part of the family and gives them a feeling of accomplishment. Bonus: It helps parents!
  4. Get active. Family walks or bike rides do wonders for every family member. Even just sitting outside in the sunshine can improve moods.
  5. Encourage creative outlets. Painting, drawing and other similar hobbies are a great way to break up the monotony of the day. With school out, such activities also allow for interactive learning.
  6. Monitor screen time. While homework, games and even socializing all take place on electronic devices, kids should not spend hours a day on screens.

Structure and routine provide much-needed reassurance to children during times of uncertainty. They also help to maintain balance and normalcy and promote physical and mental health. The more a child can anticipate what is going to happen, the better they will be able to cope with life in times of uncertainty.


Premier Academy offers affordable childcare in the Omaha/Elkhorn area. To learn more, visit us at premieracademyinc.com.

The coronavirus has upended lives across the world. One of the most devastating effects of this crisis is the fact that so many families are separated. This includes seniors who can no longer spend time with their beloved grandchildren.

While Zoom and FaceTime seem to be the best options for connecting with extended family, many older Americans do not have tablets, smartphones or computers. Even those who do are often unsure how to use video-conferencing apps. Thankfully there are other ways to stay close amid the COVID-19 crisis.

An article in the Boston Globe, How to Keep Grandparents and Grandchildren Connected in New Ways, from a Distance, highlights the fact that keeping in touch with family members doesn’t always require an electronic device or downloading app.

The article lists some old-fashioned – but equally fulfilling – methods for staying connected. These include things like having a set time for a phone call, writing letters and making care packages. How about deciding on a TV show a grandchild and grandparent can both watch in their one homes and then following it with a phone call to discuss it?

Sheltering in place can be stressful no matter how old – or young – a person is. The key is to find ways to remain close even when we aren’t together.


Premier Academy offers affordable childcare in the Omaha/Elkhorn area. To learn more, visit us at premieracademyinc.com.

grandparent

The need to shelter in place has taught us a lot about ourselves and our families, especially the importance of grandparents. Perhaps one of the most important things it has taught us is that dependence on extended family isn’t a bad thing. In fact, once some semblance of normalcy returns, the commitment to strengthen these family ties is likely to occur.

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Pandemic Proves How Much We All Need Extended Families

https://www.fredericksburg.com/opinion/commentary-pandemic-proves-how-much-we-all-need-extended-families/article_fa2dbb1c-41ab-56f5-8572-599b7d1d987c.html

It isn’t difficult to see the vital role that healthy families play at this time. And in many cases, large, extended and curated families working together have a better chance of weathering this crisis and its aftermath.

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Far Apart but Closer Than Ever: How the Coronavirus is Helping Extended Families Connect

https://www.deseret.com/indepth/2020/4/12/21200157/coronavirus-utah-covid-19-family-zoom-group-video-call-apple-facetime-technology

One silver lining to the coronavirus is that it provides people with an opportunity to rededicate themselves to the relationships that matter most. Though the words are communicated virtually, the affection is just as real.

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Creative Alternatives to Family Gatherings During COVID-19

https://www.verywellfamily.com/creative-alternatives-to-family-gatherings-during-covid-19-4801743

In one sense, the circumstances of COVID-19 have made family get-togethers difficult – if not impossible. But in another sense, due to technology, connecting with loved ones has never been easier. 


Premier Academy offers affordable childcare in the Omaha/Elkhorn area. To learn more, visit us at premieracademyinc.com.