When COVID-19 arrived in Portugal, it forced a rapid change in our habits and, to this day, we are all learning to deal with the situation in the best way.

We are now more informed, after the pandemic periods we have experienced and the containment and restriction measures we are familiar with, in order to prevent the social contact we were used to.

These measures have affected thousands of children and many parents do not know how to deal with children and the mandatory social distancing in schools. This reality forces children to adapt their study and work routine at home, and parents are left to understand how to deal with children and social distancing.

Psychologist Sónia Sá highlights a reality experienced by many Portuguese people:

“A mother's/father's love for a child can be immeasurable but, during this period, many parents struggle to remain calm when they have a child with them who doesn't understand why their routine has been drastically changed. There are no more trips to school, the garden, playing with friends, family visits, walks.” The reality of 2020 is portrayed in this sentence and, although we are currently more aware of the mandatory rules and the new routine, there are never too many tips to give parents in order to better deal with children and the social distancing caused by periods of prophylactic confinement.

Psychologist Sónia Sá mentions some important tips:

1. Establishing routines is reassuring: waking up at a specific time, taking off your pajamas, eating a good breakfast and getting to work! The morning hours are the best to play with children, if there is an opportunity, as this is when they are most active.
2. This phase will not last forever: the moment is temporary and the pressure they are under with work, children, home and their relationship does not help. Everything seems to be happening at the same time and in the same place but it will slow down.
3. Opening hours: Not only for children but also for parents. Dividing the day and trying to use one block of hours for work, for the house, and another for the children can create security and allow your children to anticipate what comes next.
4. Cooperation: Asking children for help with household chores is a help for parents but also for them, the sense of usefulness and being entertained by a task is something that sweetens their day.
5. Expectations: What we would like to have done and what is actually done can be two different realities. At this stage, adaptation is an ally and so is managing expectations.
6. Listen: When we are heard, we feel valued and we empower our individuality. Create moments of connection, read books or stories together. A listened child is a (more) happy child.

There is a sudden change in families occurring and it is normal to feel overwhelmed, but adjustment is possible.

We can conclude that, and according to Psychologist Sónia Sá:

1. Even with a more conforming reality, the tips highlighted can be applied to a healthier and safer routine for children if the child has COVID or has been in contact with someone infected;
2. Defining schedules and tasks to be carried out in each part of the day allows for better time management and educates children on its importance;
3. Establishing routines for playing and studying are important for a reality of social distancing that is still experienced today in schools, due to the virus being more prone to transmission in these spaces;
4. Asking for cooperation with household chores is an excellent hobby for children who cannot leave home, as mandatory prophylactic confinement can be very drying for these ages;
5. Creating family moments allows for stronger bonds.