As the world is faced with an unprecedented global pandemic, many parents are trying to figure out how to keep their children safe and healthy from the Coronavirus. Protecting your children from getting sick could be really stressful. But you don’t have to worry so much because there are many ways on how you can ensure their safety at this uncertain time.
Here are some ways to support your children’s physical and mental health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic:
Set Healthy Routines Together
With your usual routines thrown off, it is ideal if you set new daily schedules with your children. Having a set of predictable yet creative and flexible routines will help them do their tasks easily. In structuring your day, it is important to maintain a fixed schedule for wake-up time, bedtime, and other routines.
Aside from schoolwork, it is also advisable to set a schedule for playtime and exercises for your children. This will help reduce the chances of them getting stressed from constant studying. It also an opportune time for you to bond with them.
There are lots of fun activities that you can do with your kids while you are stuck at home, such as:
- Go camping in the backyard
- Bake some goodies
- Play indoor hide and seek
- Learn and play card games
- Try out new board games
- Watch some family movies on Netflix
- Read your favourite books
- Rearrange or decorate your rooms
- Start journalling
- Have an indoor picnic
Help Your Child Stay Active
Encourage your children to stay active while they are at home. Tell them that it will help to keep them physically and mentally healthy. Taking indoor activity breaks such as stretching or dancing will help keep them focused throughout the day.
Be sure that you are with them the whole time they are doing such activities to avoid unwanted incidents to occur. Being with them will also encourage them to stick to doing it every day. It will also help if you will remind your children that you are always with them in everything they do every single step of the way. It might take a lot of patience, time, and energy on your side, but it’s all going to be worth it.
Teach Them Proper Handwashing Skills
Explain to your children the importance of proper handwashing and how it will help in fighting the virus. Show them how to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Tell them that they should do it frequently and always before eating.
Aside from washing their hands, you can also introduce to them the proper use of hand sanitizers. The hand sanitizer supplier you choose is important to make sure that your children are using safe products. It is also ideal to purchase customized hand sanitizers that will best suit your children’s needs. This will keep you from the hassle of having to buy new ones if you run out.
It is important to supervise them during sanitizer use and make sure that their hands are completely dry. Don’t let your kids lick their hands immediately after using sanitizers. Also, remind them to avoid touching their mouth, nose, and eyes if they haven’t washed or sanitized their hands yet.
Watch Them for Any Signs of Illness
If you are starting to see any signs of illness in your kids such as cough, shortness of breath, fever, or chills, contact your healthcare provider immediately and keep your children away from others as much as possible. Remind your kids to stay calm, get rest, and stay hydrated while waiting for medical care.
Although COVID-19 is a serious disease, do not panic because most people who have it are able to recover at home. But if you really think your children are in need of medical attention, then do not hesitate to get them checked. You can also follow the CDC’s guidelines on what to do if you are sick to know how to care for children and for yourself while you are at home.
Use Positive Discipline
It is normal for everyone to feel anxious during a global pandemic. Feeling isolated from the rest of the world might cause emotional stress. And if adults are prone to getting anxious when dealing with this crisis, imagine how much more it can trigger the younger ones.
When your child is dealing with something that is making them fearful and anxious, there is a tendency for them to get clingy, angry, or agitated. When this happens, it will not help to scold them or make them feel that what they are feeling is not valid. As a parent, what you can do is to help them cope with their stress and anxieties.
Here are some ways you can help your children manage their emotions and behavior during this pandemic:
- Patiently listen to their concerns and respond to them with love and attention.
- Ask them what is making them feel afraid and anxious about the coronavirus and answer them honestly in a way that they can understand.
- Assure them that there are things being done to fight the virus and that everything is going to be okay.
- Tell them what you can do as a family to keep yourselves free from the virus, and that includes staying healthy while staying at home.
Conclusion
This global crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic is a challenging time for families to keep a sense of calm. As a parent, you want to do everything you can to protect your children and you might find it really stressful to keep them safe and healthy during this crisis. But you are not alone in this battle. Remember that there are people and medical professionals you can reach out for help if you need it. And while you are doing your best to protect your children, do not forget that you need to take good care of yourself, too.
