Responsible parenting tips about COVID19 – 5 Tips to assist you in protecting and comforting your children.
Covid 19 has destroyed the normal way of life with schools closed up. Parents are currently feeling overwhelmed in caring for their children, especially at this time of the pandemic. The children are also feeling anxious about their well-being. The COVID 19 statistics worldwide have proven that the disease does not discriminate on age, gender, race, region. It is a particular concern to parents on caring for their sons and daughters to prevent them from getting infected by covid 19. Scientifically, children’s immune system is relatively low, and therefore, they fall under vulnerable groups who need special attention in the fight against the disease. Most children do not understand why they are at home, and they should be in school. In many countries, most schools have been closed indefinitely, and parents will have to bear the burden of caring for their children. By now, parents have felt the crucial role of teachers in caring for the children. However, all is not lost. I will give you some few tips on how you can protect your child during this pandemic.
- Check whether your children are exposed to or spreading fake news about COVID 19.
The outbreak of covid 19 has come with a lot of fake news regarding the spread of the disease. Children can get these fake news from their friends or social media. One of the fake news these children can get is that covid 19 does not affect children. You can imagine the extent to which this can affect the behavior and reduce your effort to protect him or her against covid 19. Besides, when a child is exposed to these fake news that they are not vulnerable, they will behave without considering containment measures; however, much you as a parent, you try to guide them. Therefore, it calls for consistent conversation between the parent and their children. During this conversation, you can give your child time to share information they know about the pandemic regarding its spread and preventive measures. As a parent, you will have an opportunity to correct any misinformation your child may be exposed to.
On the other hand, as a parent, you can always create time to keep your children informed of the pandemic’s myths and misconceptions. The misconceptions come in daily, and as a parent, you have to take the lead of being informed of them as you take care of your child.
- Engage your child with compassionate works.
As a parent, it is important to instill the spirit of generosity and kindness during this pandemic. The COVID 19 has caused the immense effect of the country’s economies with vast loss of jobs. People are suffering, and therefore, it calls for us to embrace one another with the little you have. Therefore, children need to know that this is the time that people are helping one another. Also, you can share stories of young people, scientists, healthcare workers, pastors, youth, among others who are helping in containing the spread of the disease and keeping our society safe. It will be of great comfort to the child if they get to know that compassionate is indeed taking action.
- Home guidening and counselling.
Right now, the chidlren are not only vulnerable to the disease but also to other psycological distress and anxiety. It is important not to assume that only protecting your child or teaching them about preventive measures would be enough. Do not leave your children in the state of distress. Bring your chidren closer so that they be free to share with you any state of discomfort. Remeber you have to be approchable any time and show your chidren that you are available any time thay are feeling anxious. Be a listening parent.
- Lead by example by taking care of yourself
It is very crucial to live by the instructions you give to your children in containing the spread of covid 19 in your family. You have to make them aware that some cultures are never the same again due to the pandemic. For instance, if you are a parent who works in the office out of your home, when you come back in the evening, if your children had a culture of welcoming you back home by hags or any form of physical contact, you need to suspend it and explain to the why that is so. Also, you can’t instruct your child to wear a mask any time they leave the house if they see you leaving the house daily without wearing the mask. If you are feeling upset, it is advisable to seek help from your religious leaders, other family member, friends or any person you trust within your community. You won’t be able to be responsible parent if you are not relaxed and comfortable
- Show your children how to protect themselves and their community
You should encourage general cleanliness to your children to keep them safe from contacting covid 19 and other infections. You can make your children sing along with the adverts in the Televisions that guide on how to do proper handwashing to the the learning fan to them. You can also be creative on a way or a dance move that can be effective to pass the message to the chidren.
- Proper Diet.
On of the best ways to prevent yourself is to follow a proper diet plan with your children at home. It has been argued that, people who have weak immunity are more vulnerable and they develop sever clinical complications when they are infected by corona virus disease. Therefore, having a proper diet program will help boost the immunity of the children. A good parent should guide the children on the diet thay should take to boost their immunity. It is advisable to eat all the types of food (carbohydates, proteins, fats) in every meal with inclusion of fruits and vegetables in the diet.
In concusion, children are vulnerable to the coronavirus disease. However, having supportive and open discusssions with your chidren at home can be essential to the children to reduce the risk of contracting the disease.