Save the Children urges caregivers to be extra cautious during the COVID-19 shutdown

The national lockdown has the country on edge and according to Save the Children South Africa (SCSA) it's become more important than ever for parents, guardians and caregivers to be extra cautious to ensure that our children are protected from Covid-19.

"Children are particularly vulnerable because they like to touch and taste the world around them, they often do not understand health advice and tend to have weaker immune systems than adults," says SCSA’s CEO, Steve Miller. 

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'Be calm, honest, and informed'

The NGO advises that there are several steps that parents, guardians and caregivers can take to protect themselves and their young ones and recommends the following tips on how to talk to children about Covid-19 and the national shutdown. 

• Be calm, honest, and informed.
• Tailor your approach based on your child—think about whether more information makes them more or less anxious.
• Share facts simply and calmly—children take their cue from you.
• Ask your child what they know, answer their questions and address any misinformation.
• Validate their feelings, while reassuring them. 

Empowering young children 

Beyond providing them with the facts, the SCSA also recommends empowering your young children by ensuring they're well informed about what they can do to stay safe:

• Remind them of what’s in their power—washing hands thoroughly and often, coughing and sneezing into their elbow, and getting plenty of sleep. 
• Model good hygiene, and try to make it fun!
• Think of or create a favorite song to sing while scrubbing hands for at least 20 seconds

Submitted by Save the Children. 

What's your best tip for parents hoping to keep their children calm and safe during the national shutdown? 

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