The coronavirus pandemic has swept across the nation since the start of the year. At present, there are over 9.58 million reported cases of the virus, resulting in 234,000 deaths. While the COVID-19 infection has been reported in kids of all ages, evidence suggests that children experience a far milder form of the illness than adults.
As parents, we do everything we can to keep our children safe and healthy. So, if your child’s school has reopened and they’re ready to walk through the front gates, here are a few tips on how your kids can stay safe during and post COVID-19.
Make Hand Washing Fun
One of the best ways to keep your children safe and protected during COVID-19 is by ensuring they wash their hands regularly. Teaching your kids the importance of washing their hands properly with water and soap is an effective and simple method to keep them safe. Getting your children into the habit of washing their hands can be difficult. So, encouraging them to sing a song to make things more fun, and remaining patient throughout is key for success. Once your child returns to school, they will already know what to do without the need of a teacher’s assistance.
Lead by Example
When it comes to teaching and reinforcing measures to protect your kids, a little can go a long way. You may not realize it, but every action you perform is closely monitored by your children, meaning you should practice what you preach, which will make your kids more likely to follow suit. Whether it’s by washing your hands, avoiding individuals who are sneezing and coughing, or maintaining social distancing from others, your kids are more likely to copy what you do.
Encourage Outdoor Play
From a young age, children should be regularly exercising to help boost development and keep them active and healthy. However, because of the coronavirus outbreak, the government has laid down restrictions on what we can and cannot do. If your local play center is closed because of the pandemic, there are other ways your kids can get exercise. Encouraging outdoor play can provide numerous physical and mental health benefits for your children.
Contact Their School
If your children have already returned to school, or they’re about to head into the classroom, it’s normal to have all sorts of worries and reservations about their health and safety. To reassure you, you should contact the school to check what kinds of measures they have in place during COVID-19. All schools have been ordered to enforce social distancing measures, which can limit the risk of contracting and transmitting the virus. Schools can also benefit from having sneeze guards installed, which can put your mind at ease if you’re worried about your kids going back to school safely.
Listen to Your Child
Depending on the age of your children, they may be concerned or feeling worried about what they see, read, and hear regarding COVID-19. As parents, it’s your responsibility to listen to your child’s fears and help them eradicate them. Being there to give love and support can make all the difference and help them feel calm.
Although we find ourselves in unprecedented times, using all the guidance above and putting them into practice will help keep your kids happy and healthy during and post the coronavirus pandemic.