The moment we had our Work from Home scheme to combat the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the country or in the province gave us the time to unleash our inner Super Parents selves. Working at home while seeing our children doing the things they want to do in our abode relieves as from all anxieties we feel while the news all over the television revolves mostly on the rising death toll, decreasing or increasing number of covid-19 patients’ recovery, and the number of new cases in just a single day. On a brighter side, the existence of Covid-19 pandemic to us working parents is that we are able to make a better bond and communication towards our growing children. In more than 8 hours per day 5 days a week shift allotted time working in the department our time is owned solely by the Government, and finally, the pandemic had given us the chance to be with our off springs. Much of self-building in children depends on what parents say and do, parental behavior in the home is a factor in the strengthening or weakening of the child’s self-image.
One thing I realized to do productively during pandemic is reading and realizing its content and all about strategies for parents and educators on how to help children develop self-esteem with personal points taken as follows:
- Value Children – Parents like us must express unconditional affection and acceptance towards our children to create atmosphere that promotes optimistic attitudes and willingness to take risks. One of the best ways for parents to show how much we value them is to spend time together in an activity of our individual child’s choice. When children know that parents value them enough to spend time with them, they feel their inherent worth.
- Listen to Children – Always be an all-ears to whatever our children’s experiences and opinions without interruption and should not tell them how to feel. Acknowledging how they feel hurt or frightened and hearing them thoughtfully and respectfully helps children to learn to trust themselves and their feelings.
- Set appropriate boundaries and expectations in between parents and children – Parents who set firm and consistent boundaries for children’s behavior tend to create environments that are reasonable and predictable, where children feel safe to explore and take risks. Knowing what they are expected to them would more likely do their best to meet those expectations, creating a sense of security. Disciplining with warmth and caring would make children respond with appropriate behaviors. When the house rules are broken, consequences must not be so harsh, but should administered in a way self-respect is maintained.
- Teach children day-to-day application skills –Rescuing children from their mistakes or failures tends them that they are not capable of resolving their day-to-day problems and that they need adults to rescue them. These children who do not held liable for their mistakes do not learn how to solve problems, instead may learn to blame others for their own mistakes. The better way when children gets in trouble is for the parents to help the child acknowledge their mistake and brainstorm ways to solve the problem, then they should let the child take the lead in correcting the problem. Parents can listen to a child’s feelings about the situation, but they should avoid shaming the child or faulting others.
- Praise effort of children – Praise children in ways that acknowledge their efforts and focus on the process as well as the outcome. Children can consistently produce effort, although the outcome of their effort is not always guaranteed. Never exaggerate praise that is not realistic because there are times that the child may discount the praise and would even develop a sense of distrust when others express their approval. Empty praise and flattery that are not grounded in reality and are not evidenced in the child’s experience tend to do more harm than good for responsible and productive behavior. Effective praise is specific and describes what the child did well. Internal satisfaction should be experienced by the child is important rather than expecting external approval and rewards for everything they do.
- Provide opportunities for success among children– When children only experience failure they may begin to doubt themselves. Seeing tangible evidence of progress helps children feel proud of their improving skills. Likewise, parents can help children choose activities that are developmentally appropriate and that provide opportunities for children to feel successful, like learning another skills or hobbies can help children receive recognition for constructive behaviors.
This pandemic made me realized that disinfecting the whole house is never enough to make our children feel secured but our time spent with them is so priceless that as working parents we must enjoy and nurtured. Being a working parent is so fulfilling, I learned that time is so essential and money isn’t everything. A stretch of togetherness and a treasure chest of valuable memories is way important than having a lots of money and self-accomplishments alone.
MAYELA LOU A. MELLOMIDA
Administrative Assistant III