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Coronavirus! A message that's just buzzing around - messages, status, news stories, newspapers everywhere. When everyone is talking about it and the government is taking such drastic action to limit the spread, it is important for everyone, including our children, to be informed. By now, kids think they have an extended summer vacation, government has cancelled examination, and they wish to go out and enjoy the summer vacation. As parents, it is important to be fully aware of the situation and to express it without fear in young children. In this blog, we will talk about everything that parents need to know about Covid-19.
What is COVID-19?
Covid-19 is a respiratory disease that causes cough, cold, fever, shortness of breath, etc. The virus is not partial to anyone and can affect anyone who comes in contact. Children and elders are more vulnerable because their immune system is not optimal.
What to do?
The best solution is to stay separate. Yes, this is difficult when you have kids who want to enjoy their vacations. That is where your role as a parent starts. Here are some productive solutions which you can use.
Awareness
It is important to tell the children what is the status outside, though it is difficult. That does not mean, make them scared or crazy, especially by watching the news in front of them. Just use simple examples and explain them the seriousness of the situation and make them aware of Covid-19 so that they do not spread rumours or make any misunderstandings in their minds. Children may be scared easily, but they have more flexibility in understanding and not misleading the right information. Explain to them that Covid-19 is a respiratory disease in your own simple language, and how to maintain good hygiene and how to avoid it by eating healthy foods.
Food
Encourage your children to eat nutritious, homemade meals. Make delicious and nutritious juices and soups. Incorporating more fluid into their diet will ensure that they release toxins from their body and also keep them healthy with good nutrition. Always keep your children hydrated with water (preferably warm water), lemon juice, buttermilk, etc. Warm turmeric milk will help boost their immunity.
Personal hygiene
There was no better time to teach your children the importance of cleanliness and personal hygiene. Not only will this equip them to win the battle against the virus, but it will become a habit that they will continue to practice. Washing hands thoroughly before and after a meal, closing the nose and mouth is the most common and basic method while coughing or sneezing, spitting or not throwing items on the road. It helps in preventing diseases in general and maintaining good health.
Relationships
With educational institutions and workplaces closed, this is a great opportunity for family members to spend quality time with each other. These days just take a break from the TV highlighting Covid-19 headlines and lighten the mood by playing some board games, watching family photos, sharing a good laugh. Tell your child the importance of bonding with family members, by being a role model yourself. Care, share, and live for others.
What to do in this quarantine Period.
Children become happy and content with simple things. Make a list of the things you can do while being in self quarantine. Then teach them how to make crispy French fries, or make delicious cupcakes or keep a scrapbook. A lot of activities can be done with objects lying around the house. Use it and share some ideas in the comments for others to see.
Yoga for Kids
It is also important to keep children active and engaged because they may be bored at home and may wander around in unproductive activities. Blow a balloon, blow bubbles, sing loud songs, put toys of your choice on their stomachs and tell them how they move while breathing in and out. Some of these fun techniques will help them to do breathing exercises, and then you can enable them to do the same breathing by inhaling and breathing for the same amount of time for 2 seconds for 4 or 5 seconds. Don't overdo it. Stop before they want you to stop the activity.
Final Thoughts
This time can be stressful for all of us, but it is also a good opportunity to spend quality time with your family and yourself. Stress on this pandemic is definitely a choice and not a very healthy one. Focus on caring for yourself and your family members. Get rid of this companion disease, educate and develop and don't be stressed, depressed and upset.