It’s time for a home ‘safe’ home
This lockdown has been hard on everyone and now, four months later, even mature adults are getting frustrated of staying home. So, one can only imagine what kids must be going through. It is not without reason that they’ve become restless in the past few months. And while uncertainty looms over the future and with Covid-19 cases only rising, all one can do is to keep their surroundings sanitised, and maintain caution to avoid any kind of misfortune.
But since it is a bit difficult to explain the situation to kids, some things need to be understood by parents, for instance, child psychologist, Chandni Bhagat says, “It is a privilege to sit home and be safe.” Besides, it is important to understand a few other basic precautions that need to be taken. Bhagat, along with lifestyle blogger Shrima Rai and entrepreneur Namrata Parikh list the rules that need to be set and followed to keep your kids safe:
■ No matter what, the kids’ room should not be accessible to outsiders, and it goes without saying that all those who enter their room need to take safety precautions before they do.
■ Ensure that your kids exercise daily, eat healthy meals and intake vitamins especially Vitamin C to have a strong immunity.
■ Since it’s the monsoon season, vegetable soups should be frequently provided to kids.
■ Sanitise every item that is brought home including chips and snacks as kids will have the tendency to pick them up as soon as they arrive. This should not be allowed.
■ If possible, leave nonperishable items for 48 hours before using them.
■ Although it takes a little effort, ensure constant sanitisation of the house. This means sanitising your home more than once a day.
■ Since it is not possible to keep their movements in check, limit them by spending time with them even when they’re attending online classes or watching TV.
Moreover, everyone agrees that if possible, it is important to explain to them the situation that we are in. “Unfortunately, this seems to be a very abnormal childhood for them this year, but their safety is of utmost importance,” says Rai.