There’s truly no one-size-fits-all solution for families navigating our new normal amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. While one family can’t wait to stuff the pool floats in the car and head to the pool, another frets that their very young children will touch every surface possible with their hands while in public spaces.
Finding a comfort level that’s right for your family as sports, stores and public areas open can be stressful and unnerving. That’s why Akron Children’s is putting together a 5-part blog series to help families figure out what’s right — and not right — for them. After all, we’re in this together.
Watch part 2: Keeping kids safe and calm during the pandemic
Featuring: Dr. Dipti Sekhsaria, Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics, Wadsworth
In these challenging and uncertain times, parents have a lot of questions. Parents want to know how they can teach their children the concept of wearing masks and maintaining social distances.
For young children, less than 3 years of age, parents can use simple language. For example, parents could say, “Sometimes, we have to cover our faces to prevent ourselves from getting sick and to prevent others from getting sick, as well.”
For children older than 3 years of age, parents can use the concept of germs as a guide. They could say, “There are good germs and there are bad germs. Sometimes we have to wear masks to prevent the spread of bad germs.”
Parents also want to know how they can teach their kids to be safe in public in a way that is not scary for them. By staying calm themselves, parents can help a child react in a calm way by giving kids more control. Parents can remind their children what they can do to help, such as:
- Washing their hands frequently.
- Making sure they cover their mouths when they are coughing.
- Using a tissue and then throwing the tissue in a trash can.
- Wearing masks.
- Maintaining a distance of 6 feet or 2 arm lengths from other people.
Here at Akron Children’s, we are taking every precaution at our offices to make sure they are safe for you to come back so that we can answer all of your questions. We can’t wait to see you again.
To schedule your child’s wellness checkup, call our appointment center at 330-543-2778. Learn about the steps Akron Children’s Hospital is taking to keep you and your family safe during the pandemic.
Editor’s note: Read part 1 in this series.
