Parenting Behind the Behavior - Videos for Parents

Apr. 15, 2020—This year’s Week of the Young Child is certainly unique in that many parents are spending a lot more time with their children. Spending more time together can result in many positive moments such as playing together, exploring nature, and slowing down from normal daily obligations.

On the other hand, spending more time together can also result in more behavioral challenges. Some of these behaviors are typical for young children such as not listening, whining, impatience, sibling squabbles, and even temper tantrums.

However, it is important to recognize that children may also be experiencing behavioral challenges that can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. With schools and some childcare centers closed, there are disruptions to daily routines. Children may also have fear or anxiety and face boredom. Even with more parent-child time together, children may actually receive less attention as parents try to balance working from home and/or homeschooling other siblings. Young children naturally crave their parent’s attention so goes the phrase, “negative attention is better than no attention.” These are not normal times and parents across the country, are doing their best under extraordinary circumstances.

Where are parents seeking support? Social distancing has caused many people to turn to social media for resources and information. In fact, 63% of Facebook users say that they expect that their usage will increase if they are confined to home due to the Coronavirus (source: Digital Information World, March 29, 2020). It is true - social media offers abundant and overwhelming options for information and resources. Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and blogs! Still, how can parents find trusted information on parenting?

Parenting Behind the Behavior offers a trusted source of information on parenting. Parenting Behind the Behavior are short research-based, positive parenting videos from the University of Wisconsin – Madison Division of Extension. The videos are free and address a variety of topics. Parents can choose from approximately 60 videos, and new videos are released every Thursday at noon. Each video is 3 to 5 minutes long and shares practical tips on topics related to family engagement and child development. A sampling of videos that could be helpful to parents during the pandemic include:

April videos will cover topics related to parenting during a pandemic such as Stress Management for Kids and Teens and Co-Parenting During the Pandemic. Parents should know that they are not alone during this time and are encouraged to reach out for support when needed. As impossible as it may sound, taking a little time for parent self-care each day is important during these stressful times. Extension Educators hope that some of these videos will help to lighten your load, and make this difficult time a bit easier.

To view Parenting Behind the Behavior videos, visit Facebook.com/HDRInstitute/ For more information about Extension Racine County programs and resources, visit Racine.Extension.Wisc.edu/, call (262) 767-2929 or email UWExtension@RacineCounty.com

Sarah Hawks is a Family and Community Educator for Extension Racine County, a Department of UW-Madison.