Safety for Kids: Teach Your Child to Stay Safe During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Keeping their kids safe is every parent’s priority – and is even more important during the pandemic. The majority of children do not appear to be at higher risk than adults, however, the pandemic is also making victims out of children. According to UNICEF, if there are no basic interventions, as many as 1.2 million children could die during this pandemic. This is why you need to know how to teach your child to stay safe.

Continue reading to know more about general safety for kids during this special time.

Educating Children About Germs

You don’t have to be an epidemiologist to teach your child about germs. But you’ll want to talk about germs in a way they will understand while making the process fun.

Your germ definition doesn’t have to be complex. Explain that germs are little bugs that live on surfaces. Certain germs, such as COVID-19, can make you sick. Then, explain the germs will stay on you and you can pass them on to others.

There are many activities that parents can do to help their children understand germs better. For example, kids love the glitter activity: pour glitter on their hands and explain that the glitter represents germs. Then, have your child wash their hands to take the “germs” off.

Stay Informed and Aware of the Health and Community Guidelines

Health organizations such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and your local area are constantly changing their guidelines to help stop the spread of the virus. You should stay informed and educate your child on the latest updates.

First, always know the latest COVID-19 symptoms and ask your child to inform you if they experience them. As of now, the most common COVID-19 symptoms include coughing, a fever, and difficulty breathing. Lack of smell and taste are also common symptoms.

Social distancing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of the virus. When explaining social distancing, talk to your kids in a language that they will understand. You can help them understand the concept of social distancing by using a yardstick or a measuring tape. Click here for a great video from Sesame Street’s Grover to help them understand the ‘good’ and the ‘bad’ of being far from others and being too close to someone.

Always know your community’s social distancing regulations. You may not be able to go to the mall, sit down at a restaurant, or go places you used to normally go. Your child’s school may also be closed or you may choose to homeschool them until the virus eases.

Explain that you must be safe at home during this time. If they want to go out of the house, you can tell your child they can be outside, but away from others. You can regularly FaceTime with family members and friends so your child doesn’t feel lonely.

Many communities are also implementing mask mandates. Tell your child they have to wear a mask when they leave the house. Find masks in fun colors, designs, and patterns they will love. You can also find masks that feature their favorite cartoon characters.

Teach Them Healthy Habits

When it comes to children and the coronavirus, teaching them to practice good hygiene at all times is essential. Wash your hands together. Sing a song while you’re washing your hands to make it fun.

Make sure your child stays active and eats a healthy diet. Nutrition and physical activity will boost their immune system.

Ride bikes or walk with your family for exercise. You can also dance as a form of fitness. Be sure to see a doctor if your child manifests COVID-19 symptoms.

Know When to See a Doctor

All parents should know how to teach their child to stay safe during the pandemic. But knowing when to see a doctor is the best measure when practicing safety for kids. If you’re looking for an emergency room in Corpus Christi, feel free to visit the Physicians Premier site. We are open 24/7 for the community!

Sources:

“Keep Children Healthy during the COVID-19 Outbreak” Center for Disease Control (CDC), 14, June 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/children.html

“How to keep your kids safe as they return to school” COVID Symptom Study, 1, June 2020. https://covid.joinzoe.com/post/children-school-covid  

“COVID-19 and children” Unicef, August 2020. https://data.unicef.org/topic/covid-19-and-children/