Parenting During the Pandemic

Part 1- Routines and Redirection

  • Routines are important, but so is flexibility. Give yourself and the family a break when needed;

  • Sometimes children need to be taught what is expected during a routine, for example, how to participate in a song or how to listen to a book;

  • Different ages are challenging; help children understand that expectations may be different based on each child’s abilities;

  • Use reminders, give choices (when appropriate), and maintain consistency (when it makes sense); and

  • When you redirect a child’s behavior:

    • Tell the child you understand how they feel, and wait a little;

    • Give a time or activity they can look forward to;

    • Direct child to what you expect; and

    • Help them get involved in activity.

Part 2: Worry and Self-Doubt; A Normal Part of Parenting

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All parents worry to some extent. This session in our Parenting During the Pandemic Series helps redefine worry as a form of reflection, a necessary and helpful skill for parents. Remember to take care of yourself, so worrying does not overwhelm you and it can be a productive reflective practice that results in new perspectives and new ideas!

Part 3: Infant and Toddler Development

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Humans are born as sensory beings who quickly learn to master our early sensations and begin to connect to people in our environment. Our parents and other caregivers helps us determine if the world is safe for exploration, and that, in turn, gives our brains data with which we construct a rich labyrinth of neural connections.

Part 4: Needs of Infants and Toddlers (and all Humans)

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Infants have 5 primary needs that drive their communication and behavior (crying). We explore those 5 needs and a parent's typical responses to these needs. It is relatively easy with infants, but challenges persist during certain periods of development. Learn more in this episode!