KINGWOOD, Texas – Kids, like adults, are missing being with friends and family. The difference is adults express verbally when they’re bored, frustrated or afraid and signs of these same emotions in children may be a regression or bad behavior.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has tips for families on ways to deal with child regression. Here are their suggestions on ways to deal with these concerns:
1. Prevent boredom.
2. Address fears.
3. Use time-outs.
4. Redirect bad behavior.
5. Know when not to respond.
6. Praise success.
7. Allow time for attention.
8. Avoid physical punishment.
9. Take care of yourself.
10. Remember to take a breath.
A Kingwood pediatrician with Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, Chikku Paul, MD said to avoid most of this, it’s important kids know the routine.
“Work with your kid, interact with your kid, play with your kid for an hour before you start your online schedules or work at home schedule,” Paul said. “That might help to prevent interruptions and attention-seeking behavior when you’re on your work time and that is important to sit down with kids and explain it, why we have to do it this way so that, just like they spend their time on zoom, you need to spend your time on the computer too.”