The comforting truth parenting during the Coronavirus.
Many moms and expectant moms are scared to have children during this pandemic. It is understandable why moms are sweating bricks afraid their precious newborn babies might catch the disease. But the facts are pretty comforting. While many people of all ages are contracting the virus, babies and children are rarely getting it. Doctors say that children's immune system is one of the best fighting mechanisms in humans, and I believe them.
For those of us who have children in daycare or preschool, we know that those places are a virus’s playground way before the coronavirus showed up. Every day kids’ immune systems are fighting off colds, fevers, and germs. Therefore, the coronavirus is no different than the fights their bodies are already engaging in. If anything, young children had already prepared for this war before it even started in China.
I am not saying that children are immune to the virus. Still, statistics show that the rates of children contracting the virus are meager. Reassuringly, do not worry about having your baby or raising your child during this time. God has allowed our children to be protected, and as a mom, I’m very thankful for that. This doesn’t mean we walk around freely, exposing our children but practicing the wisdom God has given us.
I’ve compiled a shortlist of tips I’ve started doing since the outbreak and stay at home order.
#1 Cleanliness is next to Godliness
Long before the coronavirus came, God talked about being clean. We should always strive to take care of ourselves and keep our bodies and homes clean. Now that the virus can be spread in close spaces and on surfaces take this time to clean every area of your home. Teach your child the importance of handwashing and being clean. The virus is here to give some of us a refresher in cleanliness and help us teach our kids how to grow into responsible adults.
#2 Eat Healthy
The search to find foods that aid in a healthy immune system is becoming fun. Now we have the opportunity to learn about fruits and vegetables and how they help our bodies. We are becoming more aware of what we are putting into our bodies and our children. If kids understand the importance of eating fruits and veggies like oranges and broccoli, they help their immune system become stronger each day. Here are some tricks to get kids to eat vegetables.
- Add some flavor! Seasoned your food well so that they see veggies are suitable for their bodies, but they also taste good!
- Add it in a shake! When blended together in a sweet smoothie, kids tend to finish their servings
- Allow them to cut or peel the food. Giving them independence will make the experience enjoyable.
#3 Make them Sweat
This knocks out two birds with one stone. Take your child outdoors (of course, away from other people) to run, play, and have fun. This will help them burn energy, and the sweat needed to kill any virus. The coronavirus or COVID-19 cannot thrive in hot temperatures. If you keep your child active, the infection won’t be able to live within them. You’ll also get them to burn that extra energy for a good night’s sleep, you both need it.
#4 Pray
No matter what you believe or who you believe in, now is the time to start praying. Don’t just pray for your family’s safety but pray for the families around the world. Many people are being affected by this virus across the globe, and we need everyone to take safety measures for our society to recover. Whether you say a short prayer or a long one, ask God to allow more people to recover than die and that the virus goes away and never comes back. Lastly, show God gratitude for bringing our world closer through this virus. We now have the time to re-connect with our family and friends, relax and get much-needed rest, or spend time focusing on the things we care about rather than just working to survive.
#5 Staying at Home is Fun
I know you’re stuck in the house and probably running out of things to do with your kids. So, I got you covered with a few things you can do in your home to make fun. This “stay at home” order is an opportunity for that much need quality or bonding time with your kids. You now have the chance to make this time fun. You can bake, play with playdough, blow bubbles, and create vision boards. Or you can watch documentaries, play games, redecorate, sing songs, dance, read novels, or snuggle on the couch. Whatever you choose, your child will be grateful for it. The world is always moving, it’s nice to be “locked-in” with the ones you love.
I hope you can see now that the coronavirus is more of a blessing than a curse. During this time, I’ve been able to spend much needed time with my little one, clean my house thoroughly, review my goals and plans as an entrepreneur and mother, and have some fun along the way. Yes, the virus is scary and affecting many people, but the best thing you can do to combat that is to stay home, be clean, and take care of your body and mind. When the outbreak is over, you will be able to see how much you all have grown together as a family, and honestly, that’s what life is all about.
I leave you with this last thought:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Davida P. Jones
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