Now more than ever, children need extra support and care. With what has been going on all around the world, parents or care providers must be mindful of how they are taking part in their child’s developmental milestones. These milestones are the things that are expected to be learned by infants and toddlers at a certain age. Methods may differ in every household, but the unifying idea is that the children must be nourished and taken care of in the best way possible.
Caring for today’s toddlers and infants greatly differ from how it was before the pandemic. Before, some parents allow the young ones to receive hugs and kisses from friends and relatives, but now, even they as parents are mindful of touching the kids given that anyone is vulnerable to the virus strains that cause CoviD-19. Also, toys and other things that were being used by children are seldom disinfected. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), though fewer children have been infected by the virus compared to adults, they can still acquire the disease and spread it to other people. To care for infants and toddlers amidst the pandemic means that their social, mental, behavioral, emotional, and physical health are given adequate attention. Prevention strategies against infectious diseases should also be well coordinated among the members of the household.
Discussing the virus and the pandemic that it has caused is important for toddlers, even at a young age. Starting a conversation like this will help you gauge the amount of information that your child needs to know. It also helps in giving them space to share their worries if there are any.
To start a conversation, it is better to ask the children if they want to know anything about the virus or the pandemic. Allow them to speak and let them lead the conversation. If they do not have questions, you can start by telling recent news that they can relate to or visualize. For instance, you can talk about a toy that they love and tell them that the mall where you purchased it is taking extra measures for safety and protection because of CoviD-19. Be truthful about what’s going on by discussing how a virus affects a person and how it is transmitted to other people. Most importantly, offer comfort by speaking calmly and reassuringly. As much as possible, show a strong facade without omitting the fact that the virus is real and that it can be spread to anyone, including someone from the family. Given that they are young and might feel fearful, reassure them that you are doing your part to keep the virus away.
To help with caring for infants and toddlers amidst the pandemic, here are some useful tips and affirmations to help with your parenting journey:
Intimidated with their fragility? It’s okay!
Infants truly look fragile and vulnerable. Overcome being intimidated by reminding yourself that yours are the warmest arms for your children. Just make sure that you cradle the head along with the neck when carrying them up or when laying them down. DO NOT shake the babies, especially when waking them up. You can gently blow their cheeks or tickle their knees if they need to be awakened. Also, since infants don’t have a strong immune system yet, always wash your hands and sanitize them before holding your child.
You are your child’s first teacher
Several areas also need to be developed whether they’re infants or toddlers. For their brain development, babies are inclined to focus on things that have appealing colors, beautiful shapes, and interesting sounds. It may be normal for the young ones to make baby sounds, but these are also the perfect times to talk to them and engage them in a “conversation” whether you understand a word or not. Do this by giving your full attention to them before speaking normally. Instead of mimicking their baby talk, use appropriate words like “mama”, “papa”, “let’s eat”, “come here”, and all other things that you want to say. At this stage, their memory already works and they should remember things for what they truly are. You will be surprised to see that these help them speak better when they already can.
Experts have proven that reading to infants and toddlers helps them to communicate better. The sound of the words as well as the way you tell stories will help develop their language proficiency. Listening to music also soothes them and stimulates their brain to function well.
Child safety
For infants, make sure that the babies are asleep on their back to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
When preparing their food, be sure to give bite-size cuts to prevent them from choking. When it comes to toys, don’t give them the small ones because these are prone to be swallowed. Also, avoid toys that may cover their faces especially the nose and mouth.
Keep them away from hazards at home. The children should play in areas where there are no unattended sockets and harmful substances that may cause danger to them.
Social and Emotional Health Matters
To help with their growing needs, children should be affirmed, and be given adequate attention and support. It is proven that positive reinforcement like rewards helps children to have confidence not just in themselves but also in their parents. Encourage them to explore, read, and play. Say affirmations like “Yes, that is correct”, “Good job”, “You’re so good with that”. Let them experience the simple joys of independence like feeding themselves and wearing their socks.
Do not teach them to ignore their feelings or emotions. When they’re upset and crying, tend to them and ask what is wrong. Allow your children to express themselves even if the words come out incoherently. This will help them to understand what emotions are and how to deal with them through your help.
Children’s earlier years help define and refine their future selves. Help them have a brighter outlook in life and a better self-awareness by tending to their needs the best way that you can.
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