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Tips on Handling Kids with COVID19.


It is without a doubt that the pandemic COVID19 had affected many lives. The virus does not know recognise the race, religion, ethnic group, social status or background of the person. I sincerely hope and pray for those who are affected one way or other from this pandemic that are given the physical and mental strength to overcome it. I would like to share some tips on handling kids who are affected by this virus. I am not expert in this field but most of the points that I raised are from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website and reputable pediatrician.


Before furthering this article, I would like to share to you on the symptoms of COVID19 in children and teenagers and it is quite similar to those in adults. The most common symptoms of COVID19 are fever and cough but they may have any of these signs and symptoms:-

- Fever or chills

- Cough

- Nasal congestion or runny nose

- New loss of taste or smell

- Sore throat

- Shortness of breath

- Diarrhoea

- Nausea or vomiting

- Stomachache

- Tiredness

- Headache

- Muscle or body aches

- Poor appetite or poor feeding for babies under 1 year old


It is important that parents and caregivers understand these symptoms. Here some points that they should monitor if they see these changes in the child who has COVID19.

- Fever (temperature 38 degrees Celcius or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit)

- Sore throat

- New uncontrolled cough that causes difficulty in breathing

- Diarrhoea, vomiting,and stomachache

- New onset of sever headache especially fever

Take these steps if your child has COVID19.

- Look after and protect yourself and the caregiver who is caring the child

- Keep the child at home or hospital which offers COVID19 coverage

- Notify the child's school and share the results responsibly if any.

- Only bring your child to the school if they are cleared by the doctors


I would like to take these measures further and share some tips on ensuring that COVID19 is not a hinderance to keep your child physically and mentally fit. While I am sure that most schools where the positivity rate is high, in-person teaching may not be available at the moment. Here are some ways to keep them occupied and keep them away from the gadgets.


Talk to them about the virus or your childhood experiences

Sometimes when parents talk about their childhood, their children will want to know about it. Engage with them by being open and let them know about the joys and sadness of your childhood. Avoid language that blame others and which can lead to stigma. Schedule these talks during meal times or at times you feel is appropriate to talk to them.


Continue to remind them on COVID19 safety protocols

As parents, we need to model to our children the importance of the safety protocols of COVID19 such as wearing a mask, washing our hands frequently, and maintaining social distancing. This also includes good and responsible habits like sneezing onto the elbow or into a tissue and disposing it correctly.


Schedule reading or playing time together

Have a schedule for the family to read or play together. They can choose their favourite book or magazine (which you can help to monitor) and play some board games. If not board games, go for walks or ride bicycles as a family outing with masks on. Plan a different route every time and experience the experience. Create simple games which you can play indoors or at your own personal space.


Restrict the time they are on their gadget

Prolong periods of time on a blue screen is not only bad for adults but also for young children. Take some break time to help Mummy with some chores or Daddy with some minor repairs to the home. Cook up some thing with Mummy and Daddy.


Like adults, children need to be supported physically and mentally too. I am sure together as a family unit, the obstacles that may come due to COVID19 can be overcome. Please stay safe, stay healthy and look after one another.





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