Remember the Five Rs

Parenting in a Pandemic:  Remember the Five Rs
By Roxanne Almas, MD MSPH

Parents, while in the midst of a pandemic, can we please cut ourselves some slack and let go of the distance learning pressure we put on ourselves?  It does no good to our own anxiety level or to our children’s wellbeing when we—the parents— are not emotionally regulated.  Two things that helps regulate me are to stick to the basics and remember the five Rs.

Many of us are not teachers. However, we are parents.  Let’s stick to what we do best: loving our kids and keeping them safe. 

So what are the Five Rs and how can they help our families?

The Five Rs

The Five Rs come from the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Early Childhood Brain Development program. They are simple habits that can be incorporated throughout your day and that help to nurture brain development and minimize toxic stress.

1. Read.
Read to your kids like you did before the days of Covid-19. Read a bedtime story if you can or let them grab a book and curl up on the couch. Pick up a book yourself if you have time. Modeling reading is the best way to promote it.

2. Rhyme.
Play and have fun together as a family. Let them play on their own during many moments of downtime. Play is really, really good for their brains and taps into their creative juices. Help the kids (and you) improve social emotional learning and mindfulness skills with books, imaginative play, and more with these mindfulness must-haves for kids. 

When was the last time the kids had hours on end of unstructured play? Even better, join them and let your inner kid have some fun!

3. Routine.
No matter what it looks like, develop some version of a routine. It doesn’t need to be anything too fancy, just some structure so that things are somewhat predictable. Children thrive with simple routines and find comfort in them.

To decrease parental stress, make the routines simple. That way, it is easier to stick to them and/or there is room to adjust as necessary. Include tradition in them, chores, and outside time.

Throw in whatever works for your family. Read more on ideas for sample routines while everyone is at home. 

4. Reward.
Praise kids for great choices and positive behaviors. No doubt this pandemic will trigger big emotions and resistance to change. Read more on how to approach tantrums as well as handling meltdowns with screen-time. 

Let them know they are handling this epic transition well. Being curious about their choices and guiding them with ideas is always helpful to them.

Read more on how to support kids during this Covid pandemic. 

5. Relationships. 
This pandemic will bring families together like never before. Your children will learn so much about life’s ups and downs directly from you. Engage them in conversation. Sit quietly together on the couch. Take time each day to check in with each other. Build your child’s self esteem. Read more on the parental effect on a child’s self esteem. 

Use this time to shower your children with love, support, and strengthen the bond you already share with your kids.

About the Author:

Roxanne S. Almas, MD, MSPH, is a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician supporting families of children with special needs. She is a California native who lives in the Bay Area with her husband and two children. She enjoys writing, cooking and gardening with her family. She is passionate about uplifting others, physician wellness & self-care for mothers.

Connect with her on Facebook: Roxanne Almas, MD: Motherhood-Inspired, Wellness Enthusiast

Have you tried the Five Rs with your family? What are your tips for parenting during a pandemic? Let us know!

Some articles you may enjoy:

7 Mindful Parenting Tips to Start Today
How Mindfulness Can Help You Enjoy the Parenthood Experience
10 Natural Ways to Boost Energy and Happiness
Meditation: On Space for Self Compassion
Meditation: Let go of Perfection
Self Care Ideas for Busy Moms