Here’s how you can keep children entertained — and active — during the lockdown.
Many children are feeling restless cooped up indoors during the lockdown, and parents are struggling to keep them engaged, safe and healthy. There is a simple option to mitigate this problem — exercise.
“Exercise is probably the only activity that ticks all boxes,” says Parul Ohri, founding member, Momspresso.com. “[During the lockdown] Children have been denied their normal routine of sports and outdoor activities. They have a lot of pent up energy that needs a release.”
Since stay-at-home orders mean children are getting less fresh air and sunlight than usual, Ohri suggests channeling energy through a family workout. “Creating an exercise routine not only takes care of physical fitness, it is also proven to contribute positively to mental wellness.”
Bust a move But getting children to exercise is easier said than done. Parenting consultant Sonali Shivlani recommends letting children choose age-appropriate activities that are also high on the enjoyment front.
“Very young kids would be happy with running in a park, jumping or doing simple exercises. Slightly older kids may be interested in actual sports or dance workouts. If you have teenagers, cardio, dance or strength training workouts [which are available online] would be a great option,” Shivlani says. “If nothing works, just slip on some peppy music and dance together. It doesn’t matter if you do not know how to dance or look funny.”
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Shivlani believes that any type of exercise will help burn energy, allowing children to wind down earlier at night. “This can help with scheduling the [next) day, especially if the parent is working from home,” she says.
To celebrate Earth Day on April 22, supermodel Gisele Bundchen shared this photo of her doing meditation with her kids Benjamin (10) and Vivian (7). (Image: Instagram/@gisele) Lead by example “As per WHO guidelines, children need at least 60 minutes of moderate to high-intensity exercise per day, and therefore, a fixed workout schedule 2-3 times a day in short intervals is recommended,” say Prathima Koppolu and Avinash Rajapet, co-founders of Fitb.ee, a fitness app for children, in a joint statement.
The duo believe that when parents make time to work out with their children, it seems like a fun activity rather than a forced chore. “Innovative board games like creating your own ‘dice’ workout, along with easy to do challenges, keeps the entire family involved and is a great alternative [to routine exercise],” they say.
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Listen to your child However, Koppolu and Rajapet caution going slowly. “It is important for parents to listen to what children have to say about how they are feeling on a given day or about a particular exercise. There may be days when children don’t want to work out and that’s okay.Communicate with them to understand how one should proceed.”
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Coronavirus Can Get Children Worried: Here's How To Have The Talk
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In the wake of coronavirus, several schools and colleges have been shut in many parts of the world to contain the spread of COVID-19. As public awareness and conversations around the novel virus increase, the situation can get the children anxious and worried for their family members and friends.
Parents, family members, teachers, healthcare professionals and trusted adults play a significant role in helping children make sense of what they hear in a way that is honest, accurate and minimise their fear or anxiety.
Dr Sreenath Manikanti, Senior Consultant Neonatologist & HOD Fortis La Femme Hospital, Richmond Road, Bangalore shares a few tips to help make the corona conversation easier around children.
In the wake of coronavirus, several schools and colleges have been shut in many parts of the world to contain the spread of COVID-19. As public awareness and conversations around the novel virus incr..
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- Remember that children react to how and what things are said
- Children pick up cues from conversations you have with them and others
- Patiently listen to what they say, and allow them to ask questions
- Avoid using words that might blame others and lead to stigma
- Remember that the virus can make anyone sick. Avoid making assumptions about who might have COVID-19
- Pay attention to what children see, hear or read on television, radio or online
- Reduce the amount of screen time for children focused on COVID-19. Too much information on any one topic can lead to anxiety and worry
- Provide information to kids that is honest and accurate. Give information that is truthful and appropriate for the age and developmental level of the child
- Talk to children about how some stories on COVID-19 on the internet and social media may be based on rumours and inaccurate information
- Teach chilren everyday actions to reduce the spread of germs
- Stay calm and keep information simple
- Reassure children that health and school authorities are working very hard to keep everyone safe and healthy
- Teach dos and don'ts at home, schools and play areas
- Remember that children react to how and what things are said
- Children pick up cues from conversations you have with them and others
- Patiently listen to what they say, and allow them to ask qu..
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- Stay 6 feet away from people who are coughing or sneezing or sick
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, and then throw the tissue into a closed bin
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing nose, coughing or sneezing, after using restroom, and before eating or learning to prepare food
- If soap and water are not available, teach children to use hand sanitiser
- Stay 6 feet away from people who are coughing or sneezing or sick
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, and then throw the tissue into a closed bin
- Wash hands with soap and water for a..
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- Avoid touching mouth, nose, eyes and face with unclean hands
- Avoid coughing or sneezing into hands
- Avoid crowded places
- Avoid touching surfaces in public places and play areas unnecessarily
- Avoid touching mouth, nose, eyes and face with unclean hands
- Avoid coughing or sneezing into hands
- Avoid crowded places
- Avoid touching surfaces in public places and play areas unnecessaril..
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What is COVID-19?
- COVID-19 is the short name for 'coronavirus disease 2019'
- It is a new virus. Doctors are still learning more about it
- Recently, this virus has made a lot of people sick
- Doctors and scientists think that most people will be alright, especially kids, but some people might get very sick
- Doctors and experts are working hard to help people stay healthy
What is COVID-19?
- COVID-19 is the short name for 'coronavirus disease 2019'
- It is a new virus. Doctors are still learning more about it
- Recently, this virus has made a lot of people sick
- ..
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- Practice healthy habits at home, school and play to help protect against the spread of COVID-19
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. If you sneeze or cough into a tissue, throw it in the dustbin right away
- Keep your hands out of your mouth, nose and eyes. This will help keep germs out of your body
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have soap and water, use hand sanitiser to clean the germs
- Keep things clean and hygienic
- If you have cough & fever, stay home. Just like you don’t want to get other people’s germs in your body, other people don’t want to get your germs either
- If you are old enough, you can help adults at home and school clean the things we touch the most like desks, doorknobs, light switches and remote controls
- Practice healthy habits at home, school and play to help protect against the spread of COVID-19
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. If you sneeze or cough into a tissue, throw it in the..
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- COVID-19 can look different in different people. From what doctors have seen so far, most kids don’t seem to get very sick
- Being sick with COVID-19 would be a little bit like having the flu. Children may get a fever, cough or have a hard time taking deep breaths
- Most people who have contracted COVID-19 don't get very sick. Only a small group of people who get it have had more serious problems
- If you suspect your child may have COVID-19, call Government of India helpline +91-11-23978046 or contact nearest healthcare facility to let them know before you bring your child in to see them
- COVID-19 can look different in different people. From what doctors have seen so far, most kids don’t seem to get very sick
- Being sick with COVID-19 would be a little bit like having the flu. Chi..
