Life in lockdown; boys are finding it harder to cope and how can parents help.

According to Steve Biddulph many young boys find it particularly hard to cope with the restrictions and therefore some parents of boys are finding it really hard to adapt to the new life at home. 

Most boys and some girls are very physical and energetic in nature and need a space to run around to get rid of their energy, which is more difficult when they are forced to stay at home. 

Therefore families with boys are finding it harder to keep them happy and motivated. 

Here is advice from some parents who feel they are doing it well:

Provide a structure and routine.

Allow up to ten hours sleep if this is helpful.

Start the day with the exercise followed by the schoolwork.

By early afternoon allow boys to pursue their own interests and hobbies.

A lot of parents are allowing more screen time now which is the main social outlet for boys in isolation.

Talking to other family members can deepen their relationship and offer help.

Many families in lockdown are asking boys to help with housework, which helps them with self worth and satisfaction.

In case some families and boys are struggling there are telephone counselling for parents and online mentoring for boys. 

If you are a Times subscriber and would like to read the article by Steve Biddulph please click here. 

This writer is also the author of a book called Raising Boys in the 21st Century and the New Manhood. His Facebook community is called Steve Biddulph’s Raising Boys.”

We hope you enjoyed this short article. You can also check out some of our other articles and subscribe for more great content