As a therapist and a mental health consultant, I encourage my clients and friends to keep their social ties even during social distancing. This does not mean hanging out with friends at a restaurant. It means, reaching out to friends near and far.
This goes the same for your child. Give time and space for their social lives at this delicate time.
Allow and encourage them to have video chat with their peers. They could share stories, what they learn, or simply showing each other what their home life is like.
Set up online play time with other families. For older kids, this could possibly be playing online game with friends at a set time.
Do things together. Involve them when you cook, clean and exercise. Let them lead and direct.
Encourage your child to have their own space (especially when you are also working from home) as well as space for family time. Family time could look like reading a story together, playing board games, a cuddle party.
*Key take away - Your child’s social life is essential to their overall mental health.