Since this Covid_19 was declared a pandemic and as a consequence mobility on public roads was restricted, except in justified cases and all schools and educational institutions were ordered to be closed, it has been a challenging situation for most parents and children.

The closure of classes and the cancellation of therapies in occupational centers is affecting the daily lives of people with disabilities, both elderly and children.

Routines have changed, and our ability to adapt and be creative is being tested to cope with this confinement, especially when living with children with disabilities or special needs.

Families no longer have professional, educational, and therapeutic support in person, something that affects family stability.

How to make everyday life easier for both, parents, and kids?

Here you are some practical tips to avoid the “Covid_19 slide”:

1. Do not demand more than what can be given in these circumstances

Adjust expectations. It is all very well to have everything under control, but this may not be the time. It is better to set daily goals and enjoy small achievements.

2. Maintain routines and good organization

As much as possible, try to maintain schedules for meals, sleep, grooming and other daily activities. This is a fundamental requirement not only for children but also for adults.

3. Finding spaces for disconnection

If the situation allows, it is favorable to establish some time of the day in which each one can relax: to rest a little, to speak with friends, to realize some activity as reading, playing, or doing crafts.

4. Try to see the situation from a positive point of view

How many times over these months have you not had the time to carry out daily activities with children in a slow and careful way? The day has come! It is time to take advantage of it to do the daily routines of feeding, hygiene and dressing in a calm way, prioritizing autonomy, communication, and confidence.

5. Searching for movement and its sensations

Do it through controlled activities and games, like tickling, ball games, balancing, yoga for children. Many of the tantrums and discomfort situations that are going to appear currently have their origin in the lack of physical activity.

6. Create an environment that conveys safety and confidence

Family games, activities that the child masters, or small responsibilities, such as helping set the washing machine or clearing the table, can make the child feel valued and recognized.

7. Getting creative

Find attractive and innovative games that make you enjoy and have fun. There are many proposals, you must choose those ideas that best suit the tastes and needs of each.

8. Reserve a moment of the day for tasks that require concentration and a little effort

To take advantage of the time to continue reinforcing the skills that had been worked on at school and therapeutic level, both in the school and in the support centers. In this way they will continue with their "work routine", advancing in the proposed objectives and the return, which will come, will be less hard.

9. Using music as a source of relaxation and good feelings

It is just that it is coming along nicely, but if you also want to dance and sing... Better than better!

10. Don't neglect food and natural light

It is advisable to prioritize a healthy and balanced diet through healthy products, watching that you are well hydrated and looking for moments of exposure to natural light, for example, playing near a window or, if there is a garden or patio in the house, that you spend moments of the day playing outside.

These are some tips that can help you deal with this, but we know that it depends mostly on each case. At JACCO International we can help you with some inclusive equipment that offers users with mobility difficulties, barrier free equipment that can be enjoyed by all, no matter of their ability. It also offers stimulating and interactive activities that can be used by people with developmental impairments.