According to the National association child mind institute, most children have been undergoing stressful events just like the adults during the corona period and most family members have been ignoring that fact. Most school-aged children have been experiencing the turmoil of differentiating inaccurate information and accurate information either from friends and family or from other kids who happen to be seeking the same information from the internet. As covid 19 pandemic imposed physical distance, education becomes impaired and school regular activities were changed with homeschooling becoming a trend and the only way a child could communicate with other children was through writing letters.
Helpful resources that are to take credit for helping children during this time include centers for disease control and prevention which offered extra support in terms of learning activities to children and helping children cope with the many false information.
Younger children and coronavirus
The findings suggest that a whopping one in six young adults in the United States may be at increased risk for diseases associated with insufficient immune system development because they have received no childhood vaccinations. The reason so many vaccines are required is that children today have never been exposed to these infectious diseases in their short lives, having been vaccinated against them early on via the MMR vaccine which protects against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. In other words, children born before vaccinations were universal have been infected naturally throughout their childhoods by various viruses that keep immunities strong when contracted naturally. These children have formed their own natural immunity within themselves and passed it on to others through casual contact like hugging, kissing, coughing, sneezing, etc.
While these studies do not prove that vaccines cause autism in children, they do suggest that vaccines may be problematic for some individuals. Further study is needed by independent research scientists to determine if there are any connections between vaccine ingredients and neurological damage in certain children who have a genetic predisposition toward autoimmune disorders. As it stands today, it would seem common sense for parents of babies and young children to exercise caution when considering the injection of vaccines into their still-developing bodies and immune systems.
How to support children in this period
As we try to stay connected with other adults in these times we should be checking the emotional well-being of children and acting as role models to them by doing common practices such as physical distancing and other basic human services that can aid in the prevention of the covid 19 pandemic. Teaching children those regular routines and any other activities and acting as role models to them. As schools are not as active as they were before the pandemic due to health concerns it is good as a parent to calm children and create an environment that does not encourage fear and anxiety among children. As a child’s teacher and a role model, it is important to stay calm and talk to the children or find other ways to engage them and set a good example to them always.
How to encourage children to take part in the disease control
Stress if not handled well can lead to serious mental health issues among children and as parents apart from supporting them and giving them accurate information on the coronavirus disease, should also reassure children that in their daily lives they can always be healthy and free of covid 19 so long as they practice self-care and avoid feelings of panic and other related topics that are not necessary. Having a regular schedule for your child will help them return to a normal state of mind without having panic attacks and without being exaggerated in fear. As a parent, avoid reacting to the fears of your children and instead offer them the correct information that they need.
The primary means of transmission of coronavirus is through droplets of respiratory secretions from the nose, mouth, and throat of those who are infected. Infected individuals have been known to spread coronavirus a day before symptoms appear and up to 10 days after becoming sick with a cold or flu-like illness. Transmission is more likely when an individual does not practice proper respiratory hygiene which includes covering one’s mouth and nose during coughing and sneezing as well as frequently washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth, keeping distance from people who are exhibiting signs of infections such as runny noses or coughs.
Persons that can be potentially exposed to coronavirus include family members; household contacts; healthcare providers; child care centers; teachers; laboratory workers; childcare providers; and staff and volunteers in hospitals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Health Departments in Ohio recommend these steps:
Children should be educated about the appropriate measures to take in order to avoid contracting coronavirus. They should be taught good respiratory hygiene practices such as covering their noses and mouths while coughing or sneezing, washing hands with soap regularly, avoiding touching their eyes, nose, or mouth, staying away from people that may have cold or flu-like symptoms such as a runny nose or coughs, etc. They should also monitor themselves always for signs of illness such as colds or fevers which can be indicators of coronavirus infection. These ill children need to stay at home until they are no longer contagious since they can spread coronavirus to other children in the school, playgroup, or child care.
Parents should always have their children’s first dose of the vaccine at 13 months of age and another at 4 to 6 years old before entering school. Now, there is a rapidly growing body of evidence that indicates vaccinating every single one of our kids against measles would prevent unnecessary deaths. We are also learning that measles is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to infectious diseases threatening America’s infants and children.
A new study published in PLoS One reports that among nearly 100,000 young adults who entered college during recent decades, those who had received no vaccinations were significantly more likely to suffer from two debilitating, potentially fatal neurological disorders, meningitis, and encephalitis.
