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Motivating your children during the coronavirus pandemic

It can be challenging for parents to keep children happy while the whole family is stuck at home due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As parents we always help with homework and make sure our children have responsibilities like chores, but the extended time families are spending together during the current crisis creates new challenges.

It is important, for parents and children to be consistent and maintain a sense of control.  This includes creating schedules, and communicating clear expectations and guidelines.

‘… help children become more self-motivated …’

Wendy Grolnick, a psychologist and parenting expert who has worked with parents in disaster situations, has studied how parents can help children become more self-motivated. She recommends involving children in decision-making and setting schedules. As parents we must be empathetic and understanding to the emotions of children.

She shares some strategies on how to make the household run more smoothly during the coronavirus crisis.

Involve children in setting schedules.
When children participate in creating guidelines and schedules, they are more likely to believe the guidelines are important, accept them, and follow them. To involve children, parents can set up a family meeting.

At the meeting, parents can discuss the schedule and ask children for their input on decisions like what time everyone should be out of bed and dressed, when breaks from schoolwork would work best, and where each family member should be during study time.

‘… listen to a child’s ideas …’

When parents listen to a child’s ideas, it helps them own their behaviour and be more engaged in what they are doing. There may be differences in opinion but parents can negotiate with their children so that at least some of the children’s ideas are adopted. Resolving conflicts is an important skill for children to learn, and they learn it best from their parents.

Allow children some choice.
Parents can present some chores around the house, and children can choose which they prefer.

‘… do the dishes before or after watching TV …’

They can also pick when or how they complete them; do they want to do the dishes before or after watching their TV show?  Parents can also give children choices about what fun activity they would like to do at the end of the day or for a study break.

Listen and provide empathy.
Children will be more open to hearing about what they need to do if they feel that their own perspectives are understood. Parents can let children know that they understand, for example, that it is not fun to be in the house and that they miss being with their friends.

‘… When parents show they understand, cooperation is enhanced …’

When parents show that they understand, cooperation is enhanced, as is the parent-child relationship.

Provide reasons for rules.
When parents provide reasons for why they are asking for something, children can better understand the importance of acting in particular ways.

‘… have more time for fun …’

Reasons will be most effective when they are meaningful to the children in terms of the children’s own goals. For example, a parent can say that dividing up family chores will help everyone have more time for fun activities after dinner.

Problem-solve together.
Not everything will go according to plan; there will be times of frustration, nagging, and yelling. When things aren’t working out, parents can try engaging in joint problem-solving with their children, which means employing empathy, identifying the issue, and finding ways to resolve it.  This practice can help children to feel more ownership of their behaviour and will make them more likely to cooperate.

A pandemic presents challenges for parents, but using motivational strategies can help parents provide a calmer and more effective environment that also facilitates a positive parent-child relationship.

‘… provide a calmer and more effective environment …’

These strategies require time and patience; studies show that parents are likely to yell and demand when they are stressed. That’s why it’s important for parents to find time for their own self-care and rejuvenation; it can be by exercising, meditating, or writing in a journal.

ALSO READ: Young People Rise to Meet the Pandemic

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Young people, rising up to meet the Covid-19 pandemic

COVID-19 has taken its toll on almost every continent, forced countries into states of emergency, sent individuals into quarantine and isolation, and shut businesses and schools. Despite this there are inspirational stories of the youth who are rising up to meet the challenge.

We are all living in a new environment; the coronavirus has made new expressions like social distancing and self-isolation common but even as young people face unprecedented worries, they are rising up to make a difference. The young people deserve attention.

We will get through this crisis, and when we do, history will show the young people who helped to bridge the world from fear to hope and from confusion to understanding. These young people are reminding us to stick together, even when we’re all apart. Their courage gives us confidence and inspiration to remember there is light that will shine.

Nelson Kwaje from South Sudan tackles misinformation on COVID-19.
Nelson Kwaje, a 28-year old with a background in tech and peace-building, helped to initiate a digital community of youth working in various fields who collaborate to fight misinformation and raise awareness on coronavirus prevention and protection. Using the #COVID19SS hashtag, their work exposes false facts, disputes unfounded remedies or cures, doctored images and any information that could confuse and mislead the public.

Vittorio Foglio from Switzerland is taking supplies to and keeping company with the elderly.
Vittorio Foglio, one of the leaders of Geneva’s Perceval Scouts, felt that, as a scout, he had a mandate to help people. This led him to mobilize his fellow scouts to support elderly communities by reducing the need for them to leave their homes and risk exposure.

‘… assuring the elderly that they care about their wellbeing …’

With teams of people taking phone and email requests and teams delivering supplies, the Perceval Scouts are assuring the elderly that they care about their wellbeing.  This response to the needs of the elderly has curbed the spread of the virus.

Christian Achaleke from Cameroon is producing bottles of disinfectant.
When the first cases of coronavirus were discovered in Cameroon, 26-year old Christian Achaleke, who works in development, realized that contingencies for containment and management had to be set up. He and his officemates bought ingredients for disinfectant, followed the World Health Organisation’s recipe, and tested the mixture.

‘… a campaign to offer hand sanitizer to people on the streets …’

They then devised a plan to launch a campaign to offer hand sanitizer to people on the streets, while engaging people to be aware of the risks surrounding the spread of the virus. He reached out to medical and development professionals throughout the country to help him develop this idea, which became the 1 Person 1 Hand Sanitizer Campaign. He moved his project into a laboratory and engaged pharmacists, doctors, sanitation engineers and nurses to help. Christian is making sure that awareness-raising to curb the spread of the virus helps people to clean their hands, and to clear away misinformation that can cost lives.

Wevyn Muganda and Suhayl Omar from Kenya are supporting members of the community.
Based on the concept of mutual aid, which relies on communities working together to ensure well-being, Wevyn Muganda, an activist and writer, and Suhayl Omar, a community organizer, journalist and student, founded Mutual Aid Kenya to provide aid to vulnerable people.

‘… Kenyans were well informed of the potential risks …’

When the first case of COVID-19 was discovered in Kenya, Wevyn began engaging in digital advocacy, making sure that fellow Kenyans were well informed of the potential risks and solutions. When it became more apparent that several members of the population were ill-prepared and ill-supported, she and Suhayl knew they had to do more, and the two began working together, leading to the creation of Mutual Aid Kenya.

Dana Shubat from Syria is coordinating awareness initiatives with civil society volunteers.
In a push to supplement struggling official responses, many civil society groups have taken it upon themselves to ensure that Syrians are prepared for COVID-19. Dana Shubat has lent herself to this effort. She participated in a mask and hand sanitizers distribution campaign that took place in the 10 days leading up to the quarantine.

‘… translated COVID-19 manuals into Arabic …’

She has taken to social media to provide correct information and sources to the public, posting over 100 times a day on various pages and profiles. Dana is using the knowledge that she gained as a medical student to support engineers who are designing medical supplies to help fill the gaps in the country’s health care system. She also provides support to special needs students via WhatsApp while continuing her role as a volunteer for the Special Olympics. Dana’s work extends even further, she has translated COVID-19 manuals into Arabic aiming to solve problems related to the COVID-19 crisis.

Inés Yabar from Peru is spreading sense about the virus.
Ines Yabar’s work tackles the spread of misinformation and the lack of resources for vulnerable citizens.

‘… alleviate people’s stress and anxiety …’

Just 25 years old, Ines helped to create a subscription-based service that regularly provides people with the accurate, helpful information about COVID-19 that they want and need. She is also a part of the ‘Heal the World’ initiative which aims to alleviate people’s stress and anxiety through kindness and positivity.

An outbreak of generosity from Nourhene Mahmoudi of Italy.
After seeing the sudden and complete lockdowns, and the increasing number of isolated and vulnerable people, Nourhene Mahmoudi felt compelled to act to support his nation. He and other young volunteers launched Outbreak of Generosity which empowers young people to better their communities.

‘… mobilize youth to provide help to vulnerable communities …’

After undergoing an advocacy training, the Outbreak of Generosity campaign was launched with a comprehensive toolkit, translated into 14 languages that helps mobilize youth to provide help to vulnerable communities in a safe and proactive manner. With volunteers from 12 different countries and a strong social media presence, Outbreak of Generosity has been able to help and inspire a large number of people in Europe.

The Ndlovu Youth Choir from South Africa is using entertainment to raise awareness.
The arts may seem like a luxury at a time of crisis when, in fact, performances can be part of the solution. The Ndlovu Youth Choir, a South African youth choir composed, performed and filmed a musical rendition of the World Health Organization’s coronavirus safety advice.

‘… various communities in their country
were well informed and safe …’

Featuring translations of certain key points in various South African languages, the choir composed the song to ensure that the various communities in their country were well informed and safe during the spread of the outbreak. The video was even shared by Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, World Health Organization’s Secretary-General!

Xian Lu from China is cooking for Wuhan’s medical professionals.
The focus of Covid-19 is mostly on patients, but their lives could not be saved without the heroic health workers who risk their own safety to help others.

‘… medical professionals were rarely
able to eat warm, home cooked meals …’

In Wuhan, between the long working hours and closed restaurants, medical professionals were rarely able to eat warm, home cooked meals. This inspired 24-year old Xian Lu to move to Wuhan and volunteer to cook meals for the city’s medical staff, despite the danger to her health. In 40 days, she cooked over 20,000 meals, often cooking up to 400 meals a day. Xian has become a viral sensation in China, and an inspiration to many around the world, young and old alike.

Scouts in Haiti are creating awareness and hand washing campaigns.
Water and soap are among the most powerful weapons to fight the coronavirus. In Haiti, Scout groups are working to support the country to combat the spread of the virus.

‘… singing catchy songs …’

As many communities struggle to access clean water and information on the virus, the Scouts have been traveling to and around the capital, Port-au-Prince, to reach out to people by singing catchy songs made to highlight preventive measures and symptoms. The Scouts carry portable sinks around and install hand washing stations to give Haitians alternatives to contaminated water sources. These Scouts help combat the spread of the virus and encourage people to be aware of the measures that they can take to contribute.

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Pandemic versus Humanity


Instead of being miserable during the coronavirus pandemic, people across the world are sharing kind gestures. People are making sure those in quarantine don’t feel alone, and are turning cancelled events into opportunities to give back.

In a time of crisis people reveal their true selves. We appreciate the many social distancing guidelines from our health care professionals, grocery-store workers, and other essential-services employees working to provide people with the care and support they need.

Here are some recent instances of everyday people and celebrities that have mobilized to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

 Wawira Njiru from Kenya
29-year-old Wawira Njiru, founder of Food for Education, from Kenya is feeding 6,000 families during covid-19. Food for Education delivers nutritious meals to school children.

‘… dedication and drive …’

Many children go to school hungry all around the world and this affects their ability to grow and learn. Food for Education is using technology and wristbands to provide food to vulnerable children and their families. For most of these children, the food they get through Wawira’s program is the only stable source of nutrition they get.  With dedication and drive, Wawira remains inspired to serve and draws strength and tenacity from her fellow citizens.

Oprah Winfrey
Famous talk show host Oprah Winfrey donated $10 million to coronavirus relief, including $1 million to America’s Food Fund. She believes that America’s Food Fund will be a powerful way to make a difference for neighbours in need.

Captain Gennaro Arma
After two weeks of being docked in the port of Yokohama, Japan, Captain Gennaro Arma of the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship waited until all of the passengers had left the ship safely before disembarking himself.

‘… encouraging signs and a sense of humour …’

Passengers say the Captain did his best to keep quarantined passengers on the Diamond Princess in good spirits with informative announcements, encouraging signs, and a sense of humour. Through the entire journey, he sought to bring light to circumstances and reassure passenger us as much as he could.

Dolly Parton
Although providing relief to those affected by COVID-19 is vital, one key to ending the disease itself is with a vaccine. That’s exactly what Dolly Parton, who has long been known for her philanthropy, donated $1 million toward last week.

Anastasija and Josh Davis
When Anastasija and Josh Davis of British Columbia, Canada downsized their wedding and got married at home, their entire neighbourhood surprised them by celebrating from their cars. The couple were supposed to get married on April 3 in front of 135 guests but the coronavirus pandemic escalated and gatherings of over 50 people were prohibited, they had to rethink their wedding plans.

‘… their entire neighbourhood surprised them by celebrating from their cars …’

They got married in Josh’s parents’ living room in front of immediate family and the groom’s best man. When they rode in a limousine to another location to take photos, the best man told them to roll down the window. Their friends lined the streets with signs, balloons, streamers, and music blasting from their cars and joined in the celebrations making it magical.

Lady Gaga
In addition to curating as World Health Organization benefit concert scheduled for Saturday, April 18, the pop star has also worked with the Global Citizen organization to raise more than $35 million to buy protective equipment for health care workers.

Happy Birthday to Charo
A group of neighbours on lockdown in Spain sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Charo, an 80-year-old woman from their windows. Charo’s neighbours placed a cake with a birthday candle outside her door on her balcony and called for her to open the door.

‘… launched a rousing rendition …’

When she saw the cake, she began to cry. Her neighbours then launched into a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday.’

Rihanna
The Clara Lionel Foundation, founded by Rihanna in 2012 and named in honour of her grandparents, donated $5 million to Direct Relief, Feeding America, and the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, and other organizations fighting COVID-19.

Bob and Nancy’s 67th wedding anniversary
Bob Shellard celebrated his 67th wedding anniversary outside his wife’s nursing home after coronavirus restrictions kept them apart.

‘…plenty of balloons and stood outside her window …’

Bob, 90, couldn’t visit Nancy, 88, at her nursing home in Stafford Springs, Connecticut so he brought a beautiful sign he made himself, along with plenty of balloons and stood outside her window to mark their 67th wedding anniversary. ‘I’ve loved you for 67 years and still do, Happy Anniversary’ the sign read.

Leonardo DiCaprio
Along with philanthropist Laurene Powell Jobs, DiCaprio helped launch America’s Food Fund, a charity created to help low-income families, the elderly, those facing job losses, and children who rely on school meals. America’s Food Fund had raised $12 million to assist those and other suffering communities by April 3.

Italy, Spain, France, and Israel applaud healthcare workers
Using cell phone technology, quarantined people in Italy, Spain, France, and Israel coordinated times to amazingly applaud healthcare workers from their homes.

‘…cheering, and whistling filled the air …’

The sounds of clapping, cheering, and whistling filled the air in expressions of gratitude for doctors, nurses, and others who are tirelessly treating the sick.

Jay-Z and Meek Mill
Jay-Z and Meek Mill, who co-founded a prison-reform alliance more than a year ago, donated 100,000 surgical masks to look out for the health of one of the U.S.’s most vulnerable populations: inmates in prisons and jails across the country.

Shauna Woods and students washing hands more frequently
Shauna Woods, a third-grade teacher in Hallsville, Missouri, wanted to encourage her students to wash their hands more frequently during the coronavirus pandemic.

‘…wash your hands more often …’

She had previously used a stamp with her name on it to mark her classroom books, but Woods gave her students a new goal: wash your hands more often and get the stamp to fade or disappear by the end of the day. If they succeed, they win a prize. Woods even started stamping her own hand to set a good example. When she posted her strategy on her classroom’s Facebook page, it was shared over 81,000 times.

Kylie Jenner
The founder of Kylie Cosmetics has donated $1 million to fund protective gear for Los Angeles hospital workers. Along with her mother, Kris, and cosmetics company Coty Inc., which bought a stake in Jenner’s beauty company last year, she will divert resources to help produce hand sanitizer for hospitals.

Jonathan Schwab
Jonathan Schwab, Yeshiva University’s associate director of housing and residence life, posted a photo on Facebook of hundreds of care packages delivered from nearby communities.

‘…huge smiles on their faces …’

The gift bags contained homemade baked goods, snacks, and challah and grape juice for use on the Sabbath for students stuck in the dorms.  There were streams of students with huge smiles on their faces collecting the packages.  Students who’ve been under a lot of stress were overjoyed with the generosity and caring.

Miranda Kerr and Evan Spiegel
The model and the founder of Snapchat, who married in 2017, donated $10 million to various charities and non-profits around Los Angeles, including Allies for Every Child, Homeboy Industries, Koreatown Youth Community Center, Proyecto Pastoral, and the Venice Family Clinic.

Jordana Shmidman’s bar mitzvah
Jordana Shmidman’s bar mitzvah celebration in New York was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The food for the event was already prepared, so the Shmidman family told the caterers to package it up for delivery to people in quarantine.

‘…volunteers then coordinated deliveries …’

Parent volunteers then coordinated deliveries across the New York metropolitan area for staff members and their families. Around 150 boxes of food were delivered to quarantined people in Bergen County, the Bronx, Westchester, Manhattan, Queens and Rockland County.

Roger Federer
The tennis star and his wife, Mirka, donated around $1 million to help vulnerable families fighting COVID-19 in their native country Switzerland.

Get well soon cards
Fourth, fifth, and sixth graders at St. Anthony’s Home and School in Columbus, Nebraska, made get well soon cards for people affected by the coronavirus. Their teacher, Charlotte Beran, then mailed the cards to the University of Nebraska Medical Center to be distributed to those in quarantine.

‘…darling and heartfelt …’

The hospital posted a photo of the cards on its Facebook page, sharing how the cards brought joy to patients. They said the cards were a darling and heartfelt gesture that made everybody’s day.

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