How To Explain 'Community Quarantine' To Your Child

With the Philippines now in a state of public health emergency and the entire Luzon being placed under enhanced community quarantine, children may be wondering what exactly is happening.

They may be kids, but toddlers and preschoolers are curious and intuitive—they know when something is up. So, we have to explain the situation as calmly and as best as we can.

Need help? Here’s your script for your curious little minds.

‘Why can’t I go out and play with my friends?’

When talking about the community quarantine, it may be necessary to give details about the global health crisis. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advises that we make sure our explanation is honest and accurate. To explain what community quarantine is all about, you may want to discuss how this applies to your family.

What you can say: “We are now in a community quarantine. This means everyone—even Mommy and Daddy—needs to stay at home. This is why you don’t have school, and Mommy and Daddy are here with you instead of at the office. We do this to help stop the virus, making people sick, from spreading.”

‘I washed my hands hours ago—why do I need to do it again?’

KidsHealth says parents can help kids feel in control by talking about what they can do to stay safe and healthy—like regularly and adequately washing their hands. Remember to use words and terms kids will understand. It may also be a good idea to do a demonstration of proper handwashing alongside your explanation.

What you can say: “It is important to wash our hands with water and soap not just properly but regularly, too! When we do this, we get rid of germs that can make us sick. You’re also helping Mommy and Daddy stay healthy because keeping your hands clean helps stop germs from spreading.”

‘There are no classes! Why do I have to study at home?’

It may be difficult to convince kids to keep up with their studies, especially when they know that classes have been suspended. But there are many ways to make learning fun and engaging at home.

What you can say: “Let’s figure out a way to make learning fun. We don’t have to do lessons like when you’re in school. Are you game?”

‘I want to go to the mall! Why can’t we leave the house?’

Sometimes, the simplest explanation is the best. It wouldn’t hurt to also tell your kids there’s nowhere to go to since all of their favorite pasyalan spots are closed.

What you can say: “Di ba we talked about how we’re supposed to stay at home? Even the malls are closed because the people who work there are staying in their houses. Why don’t we look for fun things to do here inside the house?”

‘I don’t want to eat veggies and drink milk! Why should I?’

Little children may not necessarily understand or connect right away that proper nutrition, exercise, and sufficient rest are essential to keep their immune system strong. Continue to be patient as you explain these things. It would also help if you, as an adult, are practicing what you preach by following similar healthy habits.

What you can say: “It’s easier to get sick when our body is not healthy. If we want our bodies to stay healthy and strong, we need to eat our veggies. Let’s also drink our milk because it has nutrients, too. We need to take our naps and follow our bedtime as well.”

For more tips about guiding toddlers' eating habits, watch this:

It’s all the more critical for the whole family to stay healthy and fit during these times. Practicing proper hygiene, eating a balanced diet partnered with age-appropriate milk, staying hydrated, exercising, and having enough rest help kids stay healthy and strong.

If you’re looking for age-appropriate milk to partner with your toddler or preschooler’s balanced diet, try NIDO 3+.

The new NIDO 3+ has a new and improved formulation specially designed by experts to address the growing-up needs and nutrient gaps of Filipino toddlers and preschoolers ages 3 to 5. It’s the only growing-up milk that contains Lactobacillus Protectus with L. Rhamnosus, which, together with a balanced diet and an active lifestyle, is scientifically proven to support your child's respiratory defenses. It also helps protect them against pathogens in the upper respiratory tract, which causes common coughs and colds. NIDO 3+ is also packed with other essential nutrients like DHA, LA, and ALA for the brain; PREBIO3® fiber for healthy digestion, and other essential vitamins and minerals that support your child’s overall growth and development (Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, iron, selenium, and zinc).

Follow @Nido 3+ on Facebook to know more.

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