Tips for Children During COVID19

The pandemic has changed the way we learn, play, and interact. While many adults are focused on work and health, children need guidance that is clear, reassuring, and ageappropriate. Below are practical tips that help kids stay safe, healthy, and emotionally balanced while navigating these unusual times.

1. Keep Hands Clean

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Sing Happy Birthday twice while scrubbing to keep time.
• If soap isnt available, use an alcoholbased hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol).
• Make handwashing a game: Who can get the most bubbles? or Can you count to 20 while rinsing?

2. Wear a Mask Correctly

• Choose masks with fun prints or bright colors they like.
• Show how to cover nose and mouth snugly, but without gaps.
• Practice taking the mask off by the ears, not pulling it off the face.
• Keep a spare mask in a clean bag for school or outings.

3. Maintain Physical Distance

• Use visual cues: tape a line on the floor at home to show where to stand when talking to someone.
• Teach the bubble ideaimagine each person has an invisible bubble that shouldnt be broken.
• Encourage outdoor play where distance is easier to keep.

4. Stay Active

• Set a daily movement minute 30 minutes of dancing, jumping rope, or a short workout video.
• Family challenges: who can do the most squat jumps in a minute?
• Use online resources such as Cosmic Kids for kidfriendly exercise videos.

5. Keep a Routine

• Create a simple schedule with blocks for school work, play, meals, and rest.
• Use a colorful chart or app where they can check off completed tasks.
• Consistent bedtime helps mood and immune health.

6. Stay Connected With Friends

• Plan regular video calls or virtual playdates.
• Encourage letterwriting or creating digital postcards.
• Play online games that allow cooperative play rather than competitive-only games.

7. Manage Feelings

• Give space for kids to talk about worries; validate their feelings (Its okay to feel scared).
• Teach simple breathing techniques: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4.
• Provide a calm corner with books, soft toys, or drawing supplies.

8. Healthy Eating

• Involve kids in meal prep washing veggies, stirring sauces, setting the table.
• Offer a rainbow of fruits and vegetables; make it a game to find each color.
• Limit sugary drinks and snacks; replace them with water and homemade fruit pops.

9. Get Plenty of Sleep

• Set a consistent lightsout time, even on weekends.
• Avoid screens at least 30 minutes before bedtime; read a story together instead.
• Make the bedroom cozy: dim lights, soft bedding, and a nightlight if needed.

10. Stay Informed, Not Overwhelmed

• Share ageappropriate facts from trusted sources (e.g., CDC, WHO).
• Limit news exposure to short, factual updates; avoid graphic images.
• Encourage questions and provide honest answers without speculation.

11. Encourage Kindness

• Help them write thankyou notes to teachers or healthcare workers.
• Organize a small care package for neighbors (with adult supervision).
• Talk about how small actionslike covering a cough protect others.

12. Know When to Seek Help

• If a child develops fever, cough, or loss of taste/smell, follow local health guidelines and contact a medical professional.
• Watch for signs of anxiety or depression that last more than a few weeks (persistent sadness, loss of interest, changes in appetite).
• Reach out to school counselors, pediatricians, or mentalhealth helplines if needed.

Remember, children thrive on consistency, love, and reassurance. By turning these tips into daily habits, we help them stay safe, healthy, and hopeful while navigating the challenges of COVID19.