The COVID-19 pandemic is tough for everyone, including the little ones who have to stay at home to protect themselves from the virus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says parents have to "interact constructively with their children during this time of confinement."
"Some children and young people may be feeling more isolated, anxious, bored and uncertain.They may feel fear, and grief, over the impact of the virus on their families," WHO says.
Some of the parent-child activities being recommended by WHO are:
(1) Setting one-on-one time with their children;
(2) Staying positive amid the pandemic;
(3) Creating a daily family routine;
(4) Helping children avoid bad behavior;
(5) Learning to manage stress, and
(6) Talking about COVID-19 in a way that children would understand the situation.
WHO also encourages family members to teach children to adopt healthy and hygienic habits.
Pediatricians' advice
Meanwhile, a pediatricians' association says parents need to make their children feel safe amid the pandemic.
HealthyChildren.org of the American Academy of Pediatrics says children rely on their parents for physical and emotional safety.
The advice of the pediatricians include:
(1) Parents should always answer their kids' questions about the pandemic in an honest and simple manner.
(2) Parents should exert effort to understand the feelings of their children.
(3) Parents who have to leave their children for work or an errand must do the following:
let the children know where they are going;
tell them how long you will be gone, and
explain how you are keeping yourself safe outside the home.
Some useful sites
WHO says creative activities can help children stay positive amid the pandemic.
"Help children find positive ways to express feelings such as fear and sadness. Sometimes engaging in a creative activity, such as playing or drawing, can help you with this process," WHO advises.
Here are some of the useful sites that Art Style Manila has come across:
ON FACEBOOK
Intramuros Administration (For Intramuros Learning Sessions)
Chinatown Museum (For Chinatown Museum livestream for kids)
Project Gutenberg (For free online books for kids and adults)
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