Becoming a mother and father is life’s bless and greatest joy, but the responsibility is also filled with uncertainty. The world is faced with the exceptional COVID-19 (Corona) pandemic. All the parents of the world wondering how they can best go on with to make sure their children stay healthy and what to do if their child becomes ill. Here are some ways parents can persevere with to support the physical and mental health needs of your children at this pandemic period.

Continue to be present at your kid’s well-visits: 

Pediatric well-visits are still essential to ensure your child has the best protection against other viruses and bacteria. Additionally, keeping your baby and well-child visits with their pediatrician ensures your child’s doctor is up-to-date on their vaccines and that they’re meeting developmental milestones.

Practice social distancing: 

It is suggested you keep your baby and children away from others during this pandemic period. They can be in the home or outer surface for walks and play-time, but keep them at least 6 feet apart from friends and neighbors. Please do not take them into the store.

Train proper hand washing skills: 

Make obvious your child how to wash their hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. And you can also sing the rhymes  like; ABCs ,Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and we shall overcome or other Nepali rhymes likes; Tara baji lai lai, etc. Hands should be washed regularly and always before eating and after toilet. Hand sanitizer is safe to use on babies and children, however, it’s important to supervise your children during use sanitizer –  Rub hands together briskly until dry and don’t let your kids lick their hands immediately afterwards. Kids under 6 years of age should be supervised during use sanitizer. Do not use in or near the eyes. In case of contact with eyes, wash eyes carefully with water.

If your child is unwell: 

If your child have illness, contact your pediatrician’s office or personal cell number; it’s first priority to inform them. Most children will have a mild disease; it can be handled over the phone and kept at home to recover. In Nepal most of the pediatrician’s are offering e-Health visits via video and phone for patients in this COVID-19 pandemic period.

Support your child’s emotional happiness:

 How do we handle with the stress of social distancing with our children during the COVID-19 (Corona) pandemic? It is human nature to be social beings. Give confidence you to find digital platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Viber, Twitter, emos, wechat, and other social medias) to keep your connections with your friends and family through phone calls, texts, videos calls etc. We still need support from others and smiles and laughter work wonders for our mental health. New parents in particular need support from friends and families.  Set up a video chat for others to see and interact with your new baby. Emotional connections are important. Social distancing should not be emotional distancing. If parents are feeling stress or anxiety, contact to your doctor or your child’s pediatrician for counseling resources. You will be better able to take care of your children if you are taken care of as well.  We know this is a complicated time to find the way for all families and we are here and ready to continue to care for your child and family.