The Parenting for Lifelong Health (PLH) from World Health Organization and UNICEF teamed up to provide with six ideas to help parents and caregivers do the most important job in the world during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Parenting Tips also available in PDF.

Tip 1. One-on-one time

Can’t go to work? Schools closed? Worried about money? It is normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed. School shutdown is also a chance to make better relationships with our children and teenagers. One-on-One time is free and fun. It makes children feel loved and secure, and shows them that they are important.

Tip 2. Keeping it positive

It’s hard to feel positive when our kids or teenagers are driving us crazy. We often end up saying “Stop doing that!”. But children are much more likely to do what we ask if we give them positive instructions and lots of praise for what they do right.

Tip 3. Get structured

COVID-19 has taken away our daily work, home and school routines. This is hard for children, teenagers and for you. Making new routines can help.

Tip 4. Bad behaviour

All children misbehave. It is normal when children are tired, hungry, afraid, or learning independence. And they can drive us crazy when stuck at home.

Tip 5. Keep calm and manage stress

This is a stressful time. Take care of yourself, so you can support your children.

Tip 6. Talking about COVID-19

Be willing to talk. They will already have heard something. Silence and secrets do not protect our children. Honesty and openness do. Think about how much they will understand. You know them best.