With kids starting to head back to school, there is an increase in concern for safety during the coronavirus pandemic. Luckily, most schools have detailed plans and guidelines in place to help, but there are things us parents can do as well. We have complied the following tips to enhance the procedures in place to help keep children safe.
Tip 1:
Practice, practice, practice! If you’ve had your kids stay home without venturing to grocery stores or other public places where masks are required, they probably haven’t had the opportunity to get used to wearing a mask. Take the time to practice proper mask wearing during extended periods of time before you expect them to wear it for an entire school day. Another important thing to continue to practice is proper hand washing. I know we’ve been bombarded with handwashing information, but that’s because it’s extremely important. Make regular hand washing part of your family routine so it's second nature to children when they return to their busy school-life.
If you don’t have a facemask for you and your little one, check out the different Bazzle Baby Face Covering options for the whole family! If you are worried about your child removing the mask or it bothering their ears after extended periods of time, the Bazzle Baby Infinity Scarf Bib sits close to baby’s chin all day and can easily transition from a scarf to a mask.
Tip 2:
Stay informed. It’s extremely important to be aware of school policies and procedures surrounding the virus. The CDC continues to offer new updates regarding COVID-19 back to school information. The CDC back to school checklist is a great tool to help parents prepare for this new normal.
Tip 3:
Communicate. Encouraging open communication with your child will build their self-esteem and keep you both informed. If they are old enough to understand the current climate surrounding the coronavirus, make sure to talk about it instead of avoiding it. Parents aren’t the only ones who are feeling uncertain during this time, so make sure you are asking them how they feel and if they have any questions or concerns. Allowing children to discuss things openly will give you more insight on how safety protocols are being handled at school.
Tip 4:
Inform. Make sure to keep your child’s teacher and principal informed about any concerns you or your little one may be having. This will allow them to keep an extra eye on your child and keep you in the loop of how they are adjusting at school.
Tip 5:
Brown bag-it. While some schools may offer contact-free cafeteria food, it’s always safer to bring food from home. To keep germs from coming home with your little one, pack it in a disposal brown bag if possible. The cool new lunch box might have to wait.
It is important to continue to look to the expert’s advice and follow your instincts and comfort levels when sending your children back to school. Have open communication with your children and teachers about the safety precautions they are taking and how they are handling this new normal.
Feel free to share your tips in the comments below!
STAY SAFE!
OXO – Bazzle Baby
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