The world is in panic over the coronavirus pandemic that has hit several countries so badly. Many individuals are becoming increasingly anxious due to what we read in media that schools, institutions, and churches are supposed to close. We have watched that some supermarkets are now empty. Freights have been suspended and movements limited or stopped.
All this has a direct impact on our children who may not clearly fathom what coronavirus is all about.
It is becoming compulsory that in most public places, people use sanitary facilities as a way of preventing the pandemic. In schools, teachers used to wait for children at the gate and hug them. This is now no more. They cannot shake hands as they used to. They are yet to be told that no going to play together during break times. They hear their school may be closed by the government and they will be at home until further notice. This is why as a parent, you have the responsibility of reading and understanding what this virus is all about so that you are equipped enough with information to answer the many unclear questions your children have/ask you.
Children believe in us a lot and expect us to know each and everything more than anyone else under the planet earth. You cannot tell your child that you also don’t understand what is happening. This leaves a lot of anxiety in them. You need to know what coronavirus is and where all this started.
You must guide them on how they should protect themselves. Don’t think the school will do everything for you. Sit them down and explain what ought to be done and not. Don’t take life for granted, you always need to have sanitary facilities at home and demonstrate how they should practice proper hygiene if they are to safeguard themselves from the virus.
Don’t increase the panic when explaining to them the dangers of this pandemic. It will leave them stressed. Take time to ask them how their school is responding to preventative measures in place. Visit your child at school (if it is still open) and encourage them to be calm. When your child in a boarding section sees you, I am sure his/her heart will relax and they will confide in you on what they are experiencing.
It is our primary responsibility to make sure that our children are safe. Teach them the things they can do right to prevent and control the spread of coronavirus. Make sure that their hygiene is very good and their environment is clean. They need to be responsible enough to take every measure that will keep them safe.
The writer is a child advocate and parenting coach, UCU
tumudickson@gmail.com
