The schools are closed by the COVID-19 What to do with children?

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Given the propagation of COVID-19, President Iván Duque ordered the closing of schools from all over the country from last Monday until April 20, with the possibility of prolonging depending on how pandemic evolves.

In total, there are about 10 million children between the ages of 5 and 16 who stop attending school with this measure and, therefore, millions of parents face several questions and concerns, but the one that concerns thisArticle is what to do with the children locked at home for almost a month?Although so far, a quarantine has not been declared in the country like the one that Italy and Spain live - in which you cannot go outside, with some very specific exceptions - the truth is that if this measure is taken is forthat has a real effect on the propagation of the virus.That means avoiding contact with as many people as possible, hence the tendency to stay at home.According to the government's announcement, during the week that passed and next, educational institutions must advance contingency plans to make virtual or distance classes.This means that parents should take care that their children follow at home the instructions that teachers send to children and adolescents, in addition to not getting bored for the time they are at home.

Beyond that this decision implies a series of huge logistics challenges, there is a general factor and that is that confinement can have consequences on the mental health of our children and, of course, adults too.Ana Rita Russo, Clinical Psychologist at the University of the North and director of Pípón, Educational Program for Psycho -Effective Development for Children, explains that the anxieties that children most experience are related to the sensation of confineand reactions to which you must be attentive. “Es importante que los padres se encuentren informados, que manejen los estados de incertidumbre e indefensión frente a la crisis, que reconozcan sus emociones de tal forma que puedan sostener las expresiones de los niños, quienes de por sí requieren de mayor explicación para entender la pandemia y las prevenciones frente a ella”, señala la experta, y explica que los niños son autorreferenciales, por lo que muchas veces no logran entender que estas son acciones del presente para prevenir un futuro, más aún cuando en sus primeros años son más motores y activos que reflexivos.The psychologist says that the first thing is to talk with the children, explain clearly and within the reach of children the reasons for this measure.Secondly, make agreements of what is going to be done at home, how to do it and for what.And, of course, keep them all busy.

A los padres a los que sus empresas les permitieron teletrabajar, se les aconseja hacer horarios conjuntos, es decir, “mientras los hijos reciben clase, los padres hacen su trabajo; acuerdan momentos de descanso al mismo tiempo y allí se cuentan lo que cada uno estuvo haciendo, toman la merienda o el almuerzo y, si les es posible, un juego o acto recreativo”, aconseja Russo.Neila Díaz, a psychologist at the University of La Sabana, explains it as follows: “Do with your child a list of activities to develop during the day.If he is a father who has to telework, show the schedule of time in which they can play or rest.It should be ensured that there are at least two stripes in the morning and two in the afternoon, so that the child also feels compensation for being at home together with you.Put it activities at a time so that the child can see them and that when you are working, he shows him what follows;That will visualize what is happening in your day to day ".Undoubtedly, both experts point out, this critical moment must be seen as an opportunity to share more time with the children and take the opportunity to be more participants in their training.For example, Díaz explains that it is the perfect time to develop autonomy, teach children to self -regulate.“It is different if he is a child from 5 to 6 years, from 7 to 9, a teenager from 12 to 14... cuanto más pequeños los niños, más necesaria va a ser la ayuda de los padres, pero la idea es dejar que se vistan solos, que arreglen el cuarto, que hagan tareas ellos solos…”. La psicóloga lo resume diciendo que se trata de permitirles a ellos dar el máximo y hacer lo que más puedan solos, no enojarse porque no pueden, solo darles tiempo."Before they had to run to take them to the bus or school, now they have the time to put their shoes, it is time for children to learn self -care actions, and thus a series of tasks that can learn being accompanied by adults.".Then, the time organization is key as a strategy that will help each one to do their respective tasks;In addition, take advantage of this time to enjoy children more and strengthen certain skills.However, it will not be easy because there is a difference: academic time as organized is less than work, so in the afternoon they must have recreational activities, moments to watch television and conversation spaces.

Simón Granja Matias

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