How can unwanted behavior be prevented in children during social isolation?

Cyprus International University, Faculty of Education, Special Education Department Chair Assist. Prof. Dr. Cahit Nuri, stated that the social isolation process is difficult for everyone, but is especially difficult for children, as they are not able to go to school or to open air environments away from home, getting together and socializing with their peers, and by spending the whole day at home, this process is harder for them.

Giving advice to families in relation to preventing negative behavior in children, Nuri said that families should provide the right form of example to their children.

Children take their parents as examples.

Emphasizing that it is important for adults to pay attention to their reactions to developments and how they express their feelings in the presence of children, Assist. Prof. Dr. Nuri reminded that children follow their parents, taking them as examples.

Stating that the expected behavior from children should be expressed clearly, using positive language, Nuri went on to say, "instead of using the expression ‘don’t throw your toys around’, the expression ‘put your toys in the basket’ should be preferred”.

Cahit Nuri also emphasized that it is important to draw attention to the positive behaviors displayed in children. For example, using the following expressions to a child who washed their hands correctly; ‘You have thoroughly cleaned between your fingers, the top of the hand and the palm of your hand with soap and water. Your hands are now clean’ draws attention to their positive behavior, he advised.

Saying that it is beneficial to create a space for the child only, such as a separate room for them, or to create a corner belonging to the child where the child's belongings and toys are located, Nuri elaborated, “in spaces of their own, children are able to control their behavior more easily and display less undesirable behavior”.

Stating that unwanted behavior can be prevented by diverting the child's attention, Nuri concluded, “for example, if it is known that the child will want to watch television before bedtime, directing them to calmer activities such as storytelling should be performed”.