The WHO has a series of one-page factsheets on “Parenting in the time of COVID-19,” including how to create routine, advice on how to talk about COVID-19, and managing stress.
- Tips to reduce tension for caregivers of children/teenagers include:
- Create a separate space for yourself as well as your child when staying home.
- Maintain a routine, as best you can. Ensure everyone gets a proper night’s sleep, which can keep you alert and lower your risk for injury.
- Model mindful self-care for your child or teen. It will help to support your own positive mental health, and create a template for them to follow.
- Although we need to socially distance ourselves, it’s important to safely reach out within our family as well as within our communities for support.1
- BC Children’s Hospital has some practical tips on parenting.
- Proactively plan activities such as reading, exercise, indoor scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, etc.
- Code Break has interactive computer science programming for kids.
- Audible is offering free children’s books.
- Take a virtual journey through a museum through Google Arts & Culture or the virtual Museum of Canada.
- Delish is offering weekly free cooking classes for kids and parents.
- The Vancouver Aquarium has live streams of its residents.
- Ocean Wise has an “Online Oceans” program with online learning and resources for kids, teens, and adults.
- Science World has some online programming.
- The Vancouver Public Library has online song and story time.
- Need to plug in the phone, tablet, electric kettle, and work computer at the same time? Overloaded electrical outlets and frayed cords are a fire hazard. Low-voltage shocks can also have long-term effects such as pins and needles, numbness, memory loss, and anxiety.2
- Kids love to climb, and unsecured furniture can be pulled down on top of a child. Secure TVs, bookshelves, dressers, and other furniture to the wall.
- Make sure that your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. Review your family fire escape plan.
- Clear clutter from walkways and stairs to avoid fall or tripping hazards.
For more home safety tips, Prevent Child Injury Coalition has launched a #StayAtHomeSafety campaign on social media.
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- Goh, S.(March 25, 2020). Child sexual abuse expected to rise amid COVID-19 pandemic, experts say. Global News. Accessed from: https://globalnews.ca/news/6730142/coronavirus-covid-19-child-sexual-abuse-increase/
- Parachute. Electrical Safety. Accessed from: https://parachute.ca/en/injury-topic/home-safety/electrical-safety/