{"id":190,"date":"2020-04-01T12:40:30","date_gmt":"2020-04-01T12:40:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kinderpass.com\/?p=190"},"modified":"2022-07-18T09:21:34","modified_gmt":"2022-07-18T09:21:34","slug":"coronavirus-how-parents-can-keep-their-children-engaged-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kinderpass.com\/blog\/coronavirus-how-parents-can-keep-their-children-engaged-at-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Coronavirus: How Parents Can Keep Their Children Engaged at Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has left many parents feeling overwhelmed with the sudden shift of responsibilities. Parents can no longer send their children to daycare or school to learn as many governments have enforced mandatory closures.<\/span><\/p>\n

For many parents, the struggle of dealing with these seismic changes can be stressful. You may find yourself juggling several new responsibilities as you work from home with no childcare while trying to follow the government’s health and safety guidelines. <\/span><\/p>\n

This additional time with your children shouldn\u2019t be seen as a negative experience. Yes, you may face new challenges, but there are several ways you can turn this into a positive outcome for you and your children. <\/span>Here are a few tips we recommend you follow when it comes to practicing proper hygiene, managing your children, educating them, and introducing routine into their schedules.<\/p>\n

Tips on Staying Healthy and Safe<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Your main job during this uncertain time is to keep your family safe and healthy. The best way to do this is to stay calm, focused, and logical. <\/span><\/p>\n

Practice Good Hygiene<\/span><\/h3>\n

Follow the government\u2019s guidelines on good hygiene practices. This means <\/span>washing your hands<\/span><\/a> more frequently and for at least 20 seconds. One trick is to have your child sing their ABCs or Happy Birthday twice. Make sure you instill this in your children, especially if you\u2019ve been outside. And there\u2019s nothing wrong with supervising them during this critical task.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another important guideline is to avoid touching your face. Try your best to teach your children this rule. Most kids will find it difficult to avoid touching their faces altogether, so be vigilant about handwashing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, keep away from everyone outside of your household. In public, do your best to stand at least 6 feet apart. This includes elderly relatives. Because people over 65 are especially at risk, it\u2019s imperative that you keep yourself and children away from grandparents during this time. You can make this a fun experience for younger children by encouraging them to line up like ducks in a line.<\/span><\/p>\n

Avoid Playdates<\/span><\/h3>\n

While you may be tempted to drop your child off at a friend\u2019s house for the afternoon, you should avoid playdates at all costs. Public health experts have widely asked for people to avoid all non-essential contact with those outside of your households. This is because it can take up to <\/span>two weeks before you develop physical symptoms<\/span><\/a> of the virus. <\/span>Digital playdates are another way your child can still interact with their friends. They can use free apps like WhatsApp, Facetime, or Zoom.<\/p>\n

Go for Walks in Open Spaces<\/span><\/h3>\n

Even if you are self-isolating, exercise is still important. If you can, take your child out for a daily walk in an open park. Avoid public playgrounds as they are breeding grounds for germs and go against the principles of self-isolation. <\/span><\/p>\n

Fresh air and exercise will help to keep you both sane and healthy. If you do head to the park, steer clear of the playground, where your child might interact with other children, or pick up the virus from the equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to Do if Your Child is Sick<\/span><\/h3>\n

While children are less likely to show symptoms or experience severe manifestations of the disease, it\u2019s still crucial you do your part to keep your child healthy. However, if your child does become sick, the first thing to do is to call your doctor for guidance. He or she will probably suggest that you make sure your child gets plenty of rest and liquids, as though they had the flu.<\/span><\/p>\n

If your child has underlying health conditions such as asthma, an autoimmune disease, or type 1 diabetes, be in close contact with your doctor and take extra precautions about hygiene and social distancing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Managing Children\u2019s Anxiety<\/strong><\/h2>\n

You may find that your child begins to show signs of anxiety and fear due to the current situation. Depending on your child\u2019s age, they are probably aware of what is going on and the seriousness of the situation. <\/span><\/p>\n

Speak to Your Child About the Virus<\/span><\/h3>\n

Learn to strike a balance between answering questions truthfully and withholding some information to alleviate your child\u2019s anxiety. There\u2019s no need to tell them catastrophic stories you may read in the news. Instead, explain the situation calmly and reassure them that by staying inside and practicing good hygiene, they will stay safe and stop the spread of germs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Look Out for the Physical Signs of Anxiety<\/span><\/h3>\n

Your child may start exhibiting some physical signs of anxiety. Look out for frequent:<\/span><\/p>\n