Jus' Kidz Magazine Online Edition Issue 1 April 2020

Online Free Edition 1 M A G A Z I N E

isolation during quarantine

How parents are coping?

&

Schooling:

FUN THINGS TO DO DURING THE LOCKDOWN

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APRIL 2020

How to handle anxiety

"Helping you raise your kids"

Hello parents!

It’s a tough time during this lockdown, but we pray you are all

Editor’s Note

being safe, practicing social distancing when you have to leave the house. I must say, this lockdown has forced many of us moms to become really creative. Initially you start off super excited with a list of things you can make with your kids, fun recipes, fun games outside, and then you realize you are running out of ideas! And then there is the new role of becoming a teacher!! Teaching is a true calling, my friends and I have realized that, and we truly appreciate all the teachers out there! Teaching long division techniques and patiently going through Letter Land, is a TRUE skill!!

We have put this Lockdown Mag together to get your minds off the stress and anxiety we are all going through as a nation. Here we share ideas on how to cope and fun stories of how parents are coping. We would love to hear from you and share how

To place your advert in our next issue contact us at: ads@juskidz.co.zw

you are coping. Please share your stories or advice and send to articles@juskidz.co.zw Till the next issue

Online Free Edition 1 M A G A Z I N E

isolation during quarantine

How to handle anxiety

Schooling:

How parents are coping?

&

HOME

FUN THINGS TO DO DURING THE LOCKDOWN

APRIL 2020

Elaine.

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COVID-19 Lockdown Guide:

How to Manage Anxiety and Isolation During Quarantine Dr. Aarti Gupta, PsyD Since the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic, many of us, even those who have not been infected by the virus, will choose to quarantine in our homes for the

3. Avoid obsessing over endless Coronavirus

upcoming weeks. Capsized travel plans, indefinite

coverage

isolation, panic over scarce re-sources and

Freeing up your day from work or social obligations

information overload could be a recipe for

gives you plenty of time to obsess, and if you have

unchecked anxiety and feelings of isolation. Here

a tendency to consult Google for every itch and

are a few pointers that could help you survive

sneeze, you may be over-researching the

spiraling negative thoughts about this uncertain

pandemic as well. Choosing only certain credible

time.

websites (who.int or cdc.gov is a good start) for a

1. Reframe “I am stuck inside” to “I can finally focus

limited amount of time each day (perhaps two

on my home and myself”

chunks of 30 minutes each) will be in your best

As dismal as the world may feel right now, think of

interest during this time.

the mandated work-from-home policy as an

4. A chaotic home can lead to a chaotic mind

opportunity to refocus your attention from the

With all the uncertainly happening outside your

external to the internal. Doing one productive thing

home, keep the inside organized, predictable and

per day can lead to a more positive attitude. Set

clean. Setting up mental zones for daily activities

your sights on long-avoided tasks, reorganize, or

can be helpful to organize your day. For example,

create something you’ve always wanted to.

try not to eat in bed or work on the sofa- just as

Approaching this time with a mindset of feeling

before, eat at the kitchen table and work at your

trapped or stuck will only stress you out more. This

desk. Loosening these boundaries just muddles

is your chance to slow down and focus on yourself.

your routine and can make the day feel very long.

2. Stay close to your normal routine

Additionally, a cluttered home can cause you to

Try and maintain some semblance of structure from

become uneasy and claustrophobic of your

the pre-quarantine days. For those individuals with

environment- so keep it tidy.

children, sticking to a routine might be easier;

5. Start a new quarantine ritual

however as you work from home, it could be

With this newfound time, why not do something

tempting to fall into a more lethargic lifestyle, which

special during these quarantined days? For

could lead to negative thinking. Wake up and go to

ex-ample, perhaps you can start a daily journal to

bed around the same time, eat meals, shower,

jot down thoughts and feelings to reflect on later.

adapt your exercise regimen, and get out of your

Or take a walk every day at 4 pm, connect with

PJ’s. Do laundry on Sundays as usual. Not only will

your sister over FaceTime every morning, or start a

sticking to your normal routine keep you active and

watercolor painting which you can add to

less likely to spiral, it will be easier to readjust to the

everyday. Having something special during this

outside world when it’s time to get back to work.

time will help you look forward to each new day.

30 Fun Things You Can Do If You’re Under Self-Isolation (Part 1)

By Ann-Marie D'Arcy-Sharpe With the current coronavirus situation, many people are self-isolating. Being stuck at home for more than a few days can take its toll on your mental health. The key is to keep busy. Everything seems so serious at the moment, I thought this could be a good way to make things a bit lighter. I came up with some ideas of fun or productive things you could do if you’re stuck at home.

Remember that if you don’t have materials for these activities in your home, you can order things online.

Just make sure you ask the delivery driver to leave it outside of your door.

1. Learn something new You could learn anything online: a new language, a new skill or do a short online course. There’s so much you can learn and this could help you to feel you are being productive with your time.

2. Read a book Many of us don’t have time to read in our busy lives.

Use this time to read a book. It could be your favourite book, something you’ve been meaning to read or a new book you could order online.

3. Have a movie marathon Prepare some snacks, get your pyjamas on, the light down low and have a movie marathon!

4. Try a new craft There are so many crafts out there and they’re so much fun! You could paint, draw, make soap, do resin art, knit, sew, finger knit, make hair wraps, crochet, do bullet journalling, papercraft, make jewellery…these are just a few, there are so many.

5. Do some home repairs If there are repairs which have been needed around the home you haven’t had time to do, now is a great time to get them done and make use of your time.

6. Try an exercise video When you’re stuck in the house you can feel unable to exercise. Following an exercise can be fun, can help you to burn some energy and get your body moving in your own living room.

7. Play video games You could play games on your laptop, phone or games console!

8. Blog or vlog about your experience Write about or make videos about your experience!

It’s a great way to pass the time and you could perhaps connect with others. This doesn’t even have to be about your self-isolation. You could start a blog or a YouTube channel about your life or something you love doing!

9. Write a story or a poem You could write a short story or a poem to express your feelings or keep your mind busy.

10. Upcycle something in your home Choose an object in your home and upcycle it! You could choose anything small or large. You could make a table more interesting, paint a cupboard that looks boring or reupholster a stool.

11. Create a new dance Create a dance (yes no matter your age)! This is fun and helps you to get some exercise in. You could even put it on TikTok and ask others to try it out.

14. Build a fort Building a fort is not just for kids. What better

12. Try meditation

excuse to be silly and build a giant fort to sit in? Use

Meditation is a great way to relax and unwind. You

blankets, cushions, bedding and anything else to

can find resources online to guide you.

hand. How fun!

13. Listen to an audiobook

15. Play board games

Audiobooks can help you to relax and are also a

If you’re at home with others, you could play board

great way to keep your mind busy. If you aren’t a

games. If you’re alone, you could play card games

big reader, an audiobook can be a great alternative.

with only require one player (such as solitaire).

Our Duty To Our Children As Parents Moffat Langeveldt The start of April 2020 saw our country and many other countries around the world on lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has placed the human race into a state of panic and fear.

Coincidence or not, this has taken place right at the start of the school term holiday.

For many parents this period is not easy with the pressure of not only having to prepare a program for your children, whilst they home, but you are forming part of it in this 21day lockdown period. Is the pressure with the kids driving you insane and creating major tension between you and your spouse.I do not think you are alone in this situation.

Being a parent is no easy task but as we all know, children are a gift from God and when we receive a gift, it is meant to bring us joy, happiness, contentment, fulfilment and enjoyment.

Children are blessed with an abundance of

to be on their own, doing what makes them happy.

All other times should be spent collectively,

energy both at the physical level and

together as a family encouraging togetherness

communicative level (they can talk you into a frenzy

through shared shores made enjoyable in teams, or

lol). As parents we have an obligation to our

playing card or board games, even going back into

children regardless of any season we find ourselves

time and having a game of “chickens in the den”.

in, like lockdown for instance.

As parents it is important that we focus time and effort to talk with our children rather than barking orders at them. If the foundation of the relationship

Not everything has to be made a task, as this sets off alarm bells with kids “WORK” – the most dreaded four letter wording their vocabulary.

We are reminded as father’s not to exasperate

with our children is based on being abrupt,

(provoke) our children to anger but bring them up

snapping or shouting at them on end, there is a

in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. We

problem and our only communication link is broken.

have a duty to lead by example and demonstrate

It is important to be a parent of your word. Your

patience with our children. Patience does not mean

word is your bond. Making promises or

the absence of discipline. “Whoever spares the rod

commitments as a quick fix to get them out of your

hates his child, but he who loves his child is diligent

hair for that moment you are busy will create the

to discipline him (The Bible: Proverbs 13:24).

reality that you don’t mean or hold true to what you

Use this time to restore back healthy relationships

say. And this is particularly important in any

with our kids in bonding together, training them up

relationship. If trust is broken and promises not kept,

in the way they should go, for even when they are

the element of respect, accountability and love is

older, they will not depart from it (The Bible:

lost.

Proverbs 22:6). Remember time is no respecter of

Plan this lockdown period with your children,

persons, we don’t have them for very long. We

make it a memorable time allowing for periods in

don’t want to regret the loss of these precious

the day for “alone time” where each person is able

moments together.

What Parents

Need to Know

About Tik Tok

Kids can be targeted by predators.

TikTok allows users to contact anyone in the world, and this comes with its own host of hazards. "Like any social media platform that has a direct message or commenting feature, there’s always the possibility that your child could be chatting with anyone, including strangers," Jordan says. "TikTok is a platform that encourages performance, and many of its users are excited to showcase their talents.

This can make it easy for predators to use flattery and compliments as a way into kids’ lives, making them feel special while putting them at ease."

Jordan points out that the app's "Duets" feature, which allows you to remix another user's video and lip-synch or dance alongside them in a new clip, has been exploited by sexual predators. BuzzFeed News reported on the issue in June, noting that predators who lurk on the app often use "Duets" to send young creators explicit messages.

It's easy to encounter inappropriate content.

The app is broken into two main feed sections. The default is referred to as "For You," which is an algorithmically generated stream of videos similar to Instagram's Explore page, Wired explains. If you swipe left, you'll see a more personally curated feed called "Following," featuring uploads from the people you choose to follow. It's the former public feed that's particularly problematic, Jordan notes.

"Even if you set your own account to private, you may still be exposed to sexual or violent content posted to the public feed," she says. "Ranging from overtly sexual TikToks to physically dangerous stunts that kids may want to recreate, to overtly racist and discriminatory commentary, there is a wide range of concerning content on the platform."

The conversations around mental health can be dangerous.

TikToks in either feed might also feature content that's highly personal or sensitive, Jordan notes. Not only are these videos potentially disturbing to viewers who see them in passing, but reactions to posts might encourage self-harm. "Kids who admit to depression are often met with dismissive and sarcastic reactions," she says. "Some are even publicly encouraged to attempt suicide."

The nature of the app might cause kids anxiety.

TikTok encourages content creation, as users can use the "Reactions" feature to respond to videos they like with their own take. While this set-up could support child's artistic impulses, it might also cause anxiety, Jordan says.

"Kids may get sucked into the pressure to create more and better content, and this can cause

to improve privacy and security on the platform, according to Jordan. Nonetheless, the case is a reason parents should remain vigilant against data abuses, she says.

Safety Measures to Take Now In February 2020, TikTok announced new parental control settings released in the United Kingdom (and coming to more countries soon). This "Family Safety Mode" lets parents link to their teenager's TikTok account and control "Digital Wellbeing features," according to an article published by TikTok. Parents can manage screen time, restrict content, and limit direct messages or turn off the feature completely.

"As part of our commitment to safety, the wellbeing of our users is incredibly important to us. anxiety, especially if they’re not getting popular," she notes. "And many chase after that popularity by taking part in challenges, which can often be dangerous. Take, for example, the Cinnamon Challenge, the Choking Game, and the Kiki Challenge."

Users might become victims of cyberbullying.

Not unlike Twitter or Facebook, TikTok might lead to cyberbullying and trolling. "When videos aren’t funny or successful, they’re referred to as 'cringey,'" Jordan explains. "It provides fodder for bullies to make fun of them. People can also create multiple accounts, using aliases to target others they don’t like. Trolling is popular on TikTok, too—especially through the 'Reactions' feature."

There are privacy concerns when it comes to user data on TikTok. Last year, the U.S. government opened a national security review of the acquisition of TikTok by a Chinese company, the New York Times reported.

The Federal Trade Commission fined TikTok $5.7 million for violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

"This is the largest civil penalty in a children’s privacy case in history," Jordan says. "The law requires companies to obtain parental consent to collect the data of kids under 13, and TikTok did not do so. They also failed to notify parents of exactly how they collected children’s data or allow them to ask to have that data deleted."

Given the violation, thousands of parents complained, and TikTok launched increased efforts

We want people to have fun on TikTok, but it's also important for our community to look after their wellbeing which means having a healthy relationship with online apps and services," according to TikTok. While waiting for this feature to launch in America, you can take the following measures to keep your kid safe.

Manage your child's settings in the app.

While in the TikTok app and from your child's profile, you'll see three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the screen, Jordan notes. "Clicking on those dots will take you to the 'Privacy and settings' section of the app," she explains. "When you scroll down to the 'Privacy and safety' option under "Account," you will see the option to set the child's account to private (recommended to toggle that on), as well as allow others to find them (recommended to toggle that off)."

Also, under the "Safety" section of that same screen, you have the ability to customize who can post comments, who can Duet with your child, who can react to their videos, who can send them messages, and who can view videos they liked, she says. You can choose from "Everyone," "Friends," and "Off." "Keep in mind that your child may open the app and change these settings at any time, which is why it's important for you to also view the 'Digital Wellbeing' section of the 'Privacy and settings' screen," Jordan says. This offers a passcode-enabled screen time management system, as well as a restricted mode to limit the

appearance of inappropriate content.

It's also important to remember that the app is meant for kids who are 13 or older. "Check that your child’s TikTok account has been set up using the correct data of birth," advises Jo O'Reilly, digital privacy advocate at ProPrivacy. "Some children might set their account up with a fake age, to appear older than they are, and this makes it more likely that they will be exposed to content that is not suitable for them."

If you are an Android or Amazon device family, you can also use Bark to monitor TikTok text chats.

(The app is currently working to be able to monitor TikTok on iOS.) Other tools that offer parental controls and monitoring services include Secure Teen and Norton Family Premier.

Have an open dialogue about the app and internet safety practices.

Jordan encourages parents to have open, honest, and ongoing conversations about what's happening in this digital space, noting, "If your child uses the app and you have not yet sat down with them to look at it together, that would be a great first step."

She herself did this with her tween son and they skipped past inappropriate posts and discussed why sharing certain content on the platform isn't wise. "We also discussed why it’s so important to have a private account and only connect with people you truly know in real life," Jordan says. They also talked about how screenshots and screen recording tech can mean something seemingly impermanent might become a meme that haunts you.

Understand it yourself.

Laura Bedrossian, vice president, social strategy, at integrated marketing communications agency Hot Paper Lantern, reminds parents that knowledge is power.

"If your kid is on any social media platform, make sure you as a parent or guardian have some understanding of it," she notes. "Download the app yourself and see what it’s all about so you can answer questions or even ask your child about what they’re seeing on an app. Keep an open and honest discussion about their—and your—digital literacy and footprint."

Source: Parents Magazine

Funny teacher stories: Outrageous encounters with

parents

By Angela Watson

• This happened about ten years ago. I caught little

issues, failing grades in every subject, and total

“Johnny” with a cheat sheet during a practice

disrespect for all other children and adults, the

spelling test. We have a practice test on Thursdays.

parent turns to me and says “But other than that,

If they score 100% on Thurs, then they don’t have to

he’s doing okay, right?”

take the test on Friday. I talked to the boy about

• During a conference with a mom whose 3rd

doing his best without looking at the paper he brought from home and then I told him that he would have another chance the next day on the “real” test. I sent mom a note telling her the same thing. Mom sent a typewritten letter the next day saying that it was all her fault because she had praised him too much the week before when he got 100% on the spelling test. She said that she had given him the test at home and he got 100%, so could I just give him that grade this week? Oh, boy!!

• This did not happen to me but I heard about it from the teacher it happened to several years ago: A parent sent a box of cake mix and a can of frosting with a note to the teacher saying that it was for her daughter’s birthday later that week and would she please make it?

• A child who misses school often was out one day, but this time upon returning to school, had a doctor’s note. Sounded official to me. The attendance clerk called me in for a laugh. In my rush to get all notes in the attendance folder, I didn’t notice that my little 6-year-old boy had been to the OBGYN for a visit, according to the note.

• A parent asked me one year if I could watch her kid after school because she couldn’t get to school in time to pick him up and what did I do after all the kids were gone anyway?

• After an hour long conference with a parent discussing in detail the child’s severe behavior

grade son was doing nothing but flirting with a girl (ugh): She said, “Well, I got no worries, coz he’s a pretty boy. He knows the girls will do all the work for him. I tell him every day, he’s a pretty boy. He got no worries, I got no worries.” (He’s not a pretty boy, and I’ve got lots of worries).

• [From an upper grades teacher] Another mom came in to see how her behaviorally challenged girl was doing. This child has been a problem since kindergarten. She was so excited when she said, “I think I know why R. is acting up! She’s going to get her period!” Well, that is the longest case of PMS I have ever seen.

• Each Tuesday, test folders go home for parents to look over, sign, and return on Wednesday. One parent sent it to me on Friday with a note that she was unable to sign it because she couldn’t find a pencil.

• A parent thought her daughter shouldn’t have the spelling words lick and like marked incorrect since they were spelled correctly except she wrote lick for like and like for lick.

• A few years ago a mother called me to tell me that her child had strep throat and the doctor said she had to be out of school until she had taken the antibiotic and was fever free for at least 24 hours. So I thanked her for letting me know. Then she said, “She’ll still get her perfect attendance award at the

end of the year, won’t she?” I said, “Well, no, not if

should be all about reading and that the kids

she has to be absent.” The mother got all huffy and

shouldn’t even have math!

said, “I can’t believe you all count kids absent when

• On “Susie’s” birthday I met her and mom at my

they’re sick!” then she hung up on me.

door early in the morning. I said “Happy Birthday

• Recently I got this note from a mother of a child in

Susie!” Her mom looked at me funny, looked at

my class. I kept it because it was a classic. It sounds

Susie, and then looked very embarrassed while she

like a missing persons report, or perhaps a

said, “Oh! Happy Birthday!” She had completely

description of someone who has just robbed a

forgotten. Poor girl.

bank. “_____’s grandmother will be picking her up

• Excuse note: “Susie will be checked out early

today. Her name is _____. She drives a blue ’95 Buick and is wearing a purple jacket, red shirt, and blue jeans.” I wondered what I should do if Grandma happened to change clothes during the day.

• When I was on hall duty and I sent a child back to walk after he was running and crashed into three kids. The mother was nearby and said, “You don’t have to go back and walk. We’ll practice walking tomorrow.” I said, “No, he has to go back and walk right now, so he gets the immediate message.” She said, “But we’re already late.” I replied, “Well if he

today. We are getting her hair and nails done.”

• Excuse note: “Johnny’s homework is done, it’s just at home, so you can give him credit.” Uh, NO. • Excuse note from a parent to explain a tardy child on a very cold winter day (neatly written in purple ink): “Please excuse _____ for being late today. The car done froze up and would not crank.”

• Several years ago a parent wrote me a note (both parents are doctors by the way) that said, “_____ is feeling a little tired this morning. Could she please go to the clinic to take a nap sometime today?”

hadn’t been running at lightning speed through the

• Just yesterday a parent said to me, “You only

hallway, he wouldn’t be going back to walk. It will

grade the papers that ____ doesn’t do well on and

only take him a few seconds each way.” She

you DON’T take a grade on the things he does a

replied, “What is your name so I can report you to

good job on!”

the principal?” I told her my name and said she was

• [This one’s great] Our school policy is to put book

free to go tell the principal that her son was running

covers on all hardback books. At the beginning of a

through the hallways and that I made him go back

school year I sent home a Social Studies book with

and walk. She turned to her kid and said, “I guess

a note that said “please cover this book and return it

you better go back and walk. I guess you have to

tomorrow”. The next morning one Mom brought

listen to all of the teachers around here, not just

her son in. She handed the book to me and said,

your own.” Is it any surprise that the kids backtalk us

“I’m sorry, we were so busy last night, there is no

the way that they do?

way we could read this whole book”.

• I had a parent tell me at conferences that 1st grade

HOME How parents are coping?

Here are a few memes and posts from parents all over the world on how they are surviving. , ten g n i : ool sch lesson r e t m s o ei of h nto fir t to th 1 i n y "Da inutes ren se bbling o d l ua i m . "S h ch for sq e wrote " t o B oms . ," sh g well ro y l d n oi ate repe his is g t

"Home schooling began 50 mins ago," another penned. "He's currently sat at the dining room table, working *extremely* quietly. It's making me suspicious."

47 m in my utes in c hom hild w to hom stre e, and hile wo eschoo ets I’m rk lin paid dema abou ing fro g m t to ndin am hit t g te illio h #co n dolla achers e rs a rona be #Lo yea ck v r. #W downa irus orkF u s t r ro #Ho a mes mHom lia cho e olin g

"1st da and y of h o pup both t mesch e ool ac tea il are late her an ing che r ha . d s ov In fac t ers lept !"

me schooling "An hour into ho dering how and already won t alcoholics." teachers are no

RECIPE CORNER

s a y P E a n & c a k k c i e s u Q Here is an easy recipe for pancakes that you can make with your kids.

Happy Cooking and Cleaning!!

Ingredients Serves: 4 125g plain flour 2 tablespoons caster sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 egg, beaten 235ml milk 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Method Prep: 5min › Cook:10min › Ready in:15min 1. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Make a well in the centre and pour in milk, egg and oil. Mix until smooth.

2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 60ml for each pancake. Brown on b

Recipe by: Sharon Holt

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