The discussion may feed the parents a way to manage and guide the children in a right direction.
i think , if we engage their whole time in some valuable or meaningful ways it should be very useful for them. but the things should be more interesting for them unless they feel bore or things became very vague
Lots of good ideas on https://www.sesamestreet.org/ which are research based.
Thanks Rosemary Tisch , think is to keep them in a normal state of condition, how the parents/family members play a role for that, apart from giving them to play games and all.
I believe engaging them in activities like music, painting , craftwork, dancing can help
I would suggest talking through anxieties, stresses, emotions using a 'emotion board'. list physical feelings, emotions, behaviours associated with these emotions and then discuss strategies to help overcome these problems. Breathing, yoga, redirection of attention, problem solving. It is essential that children of all ages are included in the discussions regarding how they feel, what actions are a response to those feelings and how to deal with these feelings in a suitable and effective way. The emotion boards are good as they can be wipe clean or a large sheet of paper with ' thought bubbles' which 'post it notes'/ pieces of paper can be attached and moved so the ideas/ thought process is fluid and progressive. A 'worry bag' is also a good idea. this could be a toy with an open mouth which worries can be written on paper and fed to the monster/toy or worry dolls to tell worries to orally and then put to bed. It is essential children are heard and encouraged to vocalise their worries/ anxieties where ever possible to avoid feeling isolated, alone and misunderstood. some children will not be able to fully identify and explain their feelings but might be able to communicate via colour, music, painting, play/art therapy, sounds or gestures... the discussion will have to be age and ability suitable.
I hope I have understood your question correctly.
When I work with parents I use the following
1) Recognise and acknowledge the children's 'big emotions' and how they choose to express these emotions. Developer different coping strategies or communication of those emotions when current ways are problem behaviours.
2) Suggest reading them a book or watch a youtube video about the pandemic for them to understand in age developmental language. I have a few but I can't attach them currently.
3) Know the importance of alone time, or me time and allowing children their own space and letting them know that sometimes as a parent you'll need your own and people should respect that time.
4) Working on family activities that will bring the family closer together. I like Debasri Banerjee suggestions but would also include board games, science experiments, or an activity that means something for the family.
Hope this helps.
Really a worthy suggestions shared by the experts...(Professors) Tamara Wickham, Jo Forrest, and Debasri Banerjee. This shows our societal concerns and commitment.
As much outdoor activities as possible. Never mind the possibility of getting dirty, get to the park, bring the dog (if you have one) and kick a ball around. Collect leaves, acorns, concers etc.
I think that engaging them in different activities like sports, reading, playing music, painting , craftwork, dancing can help them to spend their time in a useful way.
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