Working Parents Prepare for Coronavirus (COVID-19) Closures – Here are 5 tips
Covid-19 has affected daily routine. Many businesses Have asked their employees to work from home while many have to ensure their kids are taken care of while they continue to work. The closure of nurseries and daycares has unsettled parents. However, looking at the big picture, this is the right step taken by the KHDA in the interest of all.
My little daughter was all excited when she heard the news of her school announcing holidays. While this comes as a happy time for kids who are innocent about the seriousness of the situation, we as parents are in for some serious challenges managing home and job. Here are a few tips that could help
- Request to work from Home.
If there is a possibility, request to work from home as many companies are doing the same. Today in this digital age, technology has made work virtually easier and in a situation like today “work from home” comes handy. This situation has not only unsettled but all countries affected with the coronavirus are in a dilemma and this and it includes your management too. If work from home is not an option, adjust your work schedules to accommodate the sudden unexpected changes.
- Both parents need to be involved
Childcare is always a challenge with parents passing on the responsibility to the other. While this is understandable, its time for the parents to adjust and work together towards the common goal. Great if you can arrange for a paid care provider and surely this cannot be the case with all parents as affordability is a reason. In the cases of working parents, one or both parents might need to adjust their schedules. Children are more susceptible and maturity in managing the kids is of utmost importance.
- Make the best use of technology
Upgrade to a better internet Mbps speed if you must – Etisalat or Du the telecommunication providers will be able to advise you on this. Expecting kids to be home for an extended period will opt for higher use of the internet than the usual times. Video conferencing will need higher internet speed. Schools have decided to opt for online education which will include live streaming. Good for you as a parent to familiarize yourself with the schools’ e-learning platform. Be proactive
Work from home will also need discipline as you have very high chances of being distracted and facing disruptions in your new routine. Children need to be counseled on the reason as to why you are home and not at work and the need for undisturbed time to work from home.
- Playing Children:
We get to see children playing in the corridors, playing in the parks and grounds. Its time for parents to take a look at where and whom they are playing with. Talk to your neighbors whose children your kids are playing with so that there is an eye on any child showing symptoms of cough, cold, breathlessness, fever. Showering twice a day, using masks if necessary and disinfectants is imperative.
Since Corona is a highly contagious virus, distancing your kids and yourself from social gatherings, games, parties is much required. Leniency when it comes to your children using the internet I guess is called for.
- Be Positive
As parents, we need to be extra cautious but always carry a positive attitude towards any given challenge. www.uaenurseries.ae provides information on issues such as these other than also being a platform for parents to choose the right nursery for their children based on proximity, nearest nursery to your home or office, curriculum or based on facilities offered.
While the Corona Virus has been declared as a pandemic, the world’s Governments are doing their best to find a solution. Let us help them by taking care of ourselves, carry out all the instructions given by the UAE Government so that we can come out of this situation safe and victorious.
