Top Tips To Protect Children Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Coronaviruses are a kind of virus that can cause respiratory illnesses in people. The virus's surface contains crown-like spikes, earning it the moniker "corona." Human sickness is caused by coronaviruses such as SARS, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and the common cold. COVID-19, a new coronavirus strain, was first found in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. 

COVID-19 is absorbed into the body by the mouth, nose, or eyes. The virus infects the mucous membranes in the back of the throat and the nasal passages. It clings to cells, multiplies, and spreads throughout the lung tissue. The virus can then spread to the body's other organs and tissues. To understand and know more info on COVID-19, read on.

Tips To Protect Children Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Following are some tips to protect children amid COVID-19 pandemic -

• Addressing Their Fears

Children look to their parents for physical and emotional protection. Following are some suggestions for assisting children with their fears -

1. Respond to questions about the pandemic in an open and honest manner. Talk to your kids about any scary news they've heard. It's OK to acknowledge when individuals are unwell, but tell them that taking precautions such as hand washing, wearing cloth face covers, and spending more time at home can help your family stay healthy.
2. Recognize and acknowledge your child's emotions. Older children and teenagers might benefit from guiding questions to help them work through problems.
3. Maintain contact with family and friends. Children may also be concerned about a single grandparent or a family or friend who is at risk of contracting COVID-19. When face-to-face encounters aren't feasible due to safety concerns, video conferencing can assist.

• Healthy Routine

Maintaining sleep and other rituals is more vital than ever during a pandemic. They give the day a feeling of order, which provides security in an uncertain period. Routines that are dependable yet flexible enough to accommodate individual requirements help all children, including teenagers.

Plan out your day. When feasible, take a break from academics. Schedules can be helped by older children and teenagers, but they should stick to a basic order, such as:

1. In the morning, wake-up routines, getting dressed, breakfast, and some energetic play, followed by quiet play and a snack as a transition into academics.
2. Afternoon schoolwork, lunch, housework, exercise, and some online social time with friends.
3. Before going to bed, spend time with your family and read a book.

• Positivity & Discipline

During a pandemic, everyone becomes more frightened and concerned. Younger children may be unable to articulate their feelings due to a lack of vocabulary. They're more inclined to use their conduct to express their tension, worry, or dread (which can, in turn, upset parents, particularly if they are already stressed). Older children and teenagers may get irritated as a result of missing out on routine events and activities that they enjoy with their peers.Here are some suggestions for assisting your children in managing their emotions and behaviour -

1. Playing in a creative way. Make a list of ways your family stays safe and have your children make illustrations of it. Make a collage and display it to serve as a reminder to everyone. Build an indoor fort or castle, complete with beloved stuffed animals or toys, to keep infections at away.
2. Use prizes and privileges to promote excellent behaviours (doing school assignments, doing housework, getting along with siblings, etc.) that aren't generally offered during less stressful periods.

Endnotes

If you are not fully vaccinated, the CDC recommends wearing a mask in indoor public places. Wearing masks in public can help to stop the infection from spreading. When you cough, sneeze, or talk, they can help prevent respiratory droplets from getting into the air and onto other people, preventing those who may have the virus but aren't aware of it from transmitting it to others.

Also read: Status of Omicron Variant in India

How Much Do Scientists Know About Omicron Variant Until Now?

Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.