After the closure of nurseries and schools in Madrid, La Rioja and some areas of Álava as a preventive measure to prevent COVID-19 from continuing to advance, many parents keep asking themselves the same questions: And now what do we do with children? Can we go out with them or do we have to stay home? Can they play with other children? How can they get the disease?
Under these lines we tell you what you should not do if you want to flee from infections.
Don't lose your cool
Do not panic! This is a preventive measure to prevent the spread of the virus . The main thing in this case (as in any other crisis situation) is to remain calm. Remember that experts insist that coronavirus infections in children are not especially alarming. According to WHO data, there have been no deaths as a result of the disease between 0 and 9 and the percentage of deaths between 9 and 18 does not even reach 0.3%. The main problem is that they are potential transmitters. They may not have any symptoms and still be carriers and infect the adults around them.
Don't scare them with the virus
Despite being small, children are very smart. With the closing of the school, you are sure to be bombarded with questions about the coronavirus. Answer them naturally and do it with short and simple sentences so that they understand you well. Don't scare them, but don't hide information from them either. Be calm at all times to convey calm. If you hesitate or get nervous, they will notice it right away and feel insecure.
Don't neglect their hygiene
Take advantage of their questions to instill good hygiene habits . Sure you have already been doing it, but now it is more important than ever that you explain to them that in order not to get sick they should wash their hands very frequently, not put them in their mouth or face more than necessary, have their nails well cut and cover themselves if they are going to cough or sneeze. You can establish fun dynamics to integrate these habits in a simpler way, such as running to wash every time their favorite song plays. Take a look at the infallible keys to wash your hands (well) and avoid the coronavirus.
Do not go to ball parks or camps
Pediatricians warn of the importance of reducing the social life of the little ones for a few weeks to stop the contagion: “They can go to the park or outdoor spaces, but preferably when there is little influx of people and avoiding using the swings. It is better not to take them to the ball fields or the camps that are being offered as a solution to many parents. It is advisable to apply common sense and avoid as much as possible that they interact with more children so that they do not pass it on to each other. Schools have been closed precisely for this reason ”, explains Dr. Pérez, a Primary Care pediatrician in Madrid.
Do not leave them in the care of grandparents
Older people are one of the audiences most vulnerable to the coronavirus. As long as the situation is not controlled, it is convenient that they do not have too close a relationship with children, who can be asymptomatic carriers and infect them without realizing it. It is not necessary that the bond be severed completely, but it is not convenient that they take charge of their care . It is also convenient to limit or eliminate kisses and hugs from the relationship with grandparents temporarily. It's better to prevent than to cure.
Don't change your routine too much
Teachers recommend not modifying too much the habits and routines of the little ones during the temporary cessation of the school period. “It is not a vacation, but a temporary situation, so the best thing is to try that your day to day is not too disturbed. In this sense, it is recommended that they get up at the same time and carry out the same type of activities that they carry out at school. In this way they will not notice the change so much, they will not lose their study habits and it will not cost them to resume their obligations when it is time to return to normality ”, points out Victoria Valero, Primary Education teacher.
