At Oz Education Early Learning Centres, our educators discuss world events with children to empower them to make sense of what they see, hear and do. Having conversations about the current coronavirus pandemic can comfort them and stop them from getting and spreading the disease. Here’s how as a parent you can play an important role in enforcing what they learn at our childcare centres. Together, in partnership with parents, we aim to help our children stay healthy and happy.
- Stay calm and don’t panic.
Children pick up cues, so talk calmly about coronavirus whether it’s with your partner or when you’re commenting on the news. When you speak to your child about it, use a calm and reassuring tone.
- Convey accurate information that’s age-appropriate
Giving accurate information is critical, but it must be age-appropriate to minimise fear and anxiety. You can tell them what is COVID-19. For example, “COVID-19 is the short name for “coronavirus disease 2019. This virus makes people sick. Doctors and scientist are learning about it to help those who are sick get well”
- Reassure them that they are safe
It is important that children understand that they are safe. Explain that it is like the flu and that taking precautions will keep them safe. However be honest, let them know that the elderly and those with bad health could get very sick and they have to be extra careful. Reassure them if people fall sick, doctors and nurses are there to help them get well and many have recovered.
- Empower them by teaching them how to protect themselves and others
Teach your children to move away from people who appear to be sick, are coughing or sneezing. Remind them to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they need to blow their nose, cough or sneeze, and to wash their hands afterwards.
- Remind them to wash their hands properly
Young children need to learn to wash their hands properly and long enough. one of the best ways to make handwashing effective, yet fun is by singing a song so that they wash for at least 20 seconds.
- Be a good role model
Explain that frequent handwashing can help them stay well and stop the coronavirus from spreading to others. Show them how to lather the soap and rinse thoroughly with water. Let them watch you wash your hands before mealtimes and when necessary.
- Show them how to use hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizers are available in many public places now including when you enter and exit our childcare centres. Explain to your child that it is an alternative to soap, show them how to use it properly and ensure you supervise your young child to ensure that they don’t swallow any sanitizer.
- Keep talking and listening
Talk about nutrition and fitness and how that helps them build strong bodies. Let them ask you questions and tell you if they aren’t feeling well. Try to listen to them even when you’re busy, so that you know when they’re not feeling well and are able to take necessary action promptly.
At Oz Education, we’re partnering with parents to ensure the health and safety of every child is our highest priority. We are going the extra mile from sanitising hands to checking temperatures daily, upon arrival and departure of our centres. Other extra measures, in addition to our normal practices, are also in place to increase the level of hygiene within the centre and beyond, to protect our children and staff and their families.
If in doubt, please ask our centres about our health & safety policy and how we are applying new guidelines in addition to the ones recommended by the Health Department including latest guidelines for Coronavirus (COVID-19) specifically for child care centres and schools.
For very little ones who are finding it so hard to understand, this creative poem could help.
Related post: Health & Safety Update – Going the Extra Mile
For more information, please call us on 1300 644 125 or visit our website at www.ozeducation.com.au.