“Wash your hands. Wear the mask. Don’t touch anything around. Stop! Stop! Use the sanitiser first.” As a parent, keeping kids safe is always our top priority. And, in the changing times, the mama tiger or papa bear response has kicked in even more towards our little bub’s safety.

While studies suggest that 80% of all infections are transmitted due to lack of hygiene, having a balanced diet with healthy food is equally important.

Precaution, hygiene and healthy living being the only options to protect ourselves and our little ones, here are a few tips that will help you in keeping children healthy in the new normal:

Encourage basic hygiene and safety

Handwashing, wearing a mask, practising social distancing and avoiding touching surfaces are some of the important ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Chances are your munchkin is already following all this, but it’s always good to have a refresher. 

Remind them to wash hands for at least 20 seconds- before meals and snacks, after the bathroom, blowing their nose, coughing and playing outside. If washing isn’t an option, a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitiser will also ward off germs.

Keep healthy routines

The changing times have forced everyone to fall out of schedule- relaxed mood, more screen time, changes in access to food, no access to class and whatnot.

But having a routine gives a sense of control, provides structure & discipline and also improves mental health. So set a schedule of getting up, eating and going to bed around the same time every day. It can mimic a school or day camp with changing activities at predictable intervals and alternating periods of study and play.

Focus on incorporating a balanced diet

Nourish your little ones with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. In short, make your home a healthy food zone. Encourage them to eat whole grains, such as whole-grain bread, brown rice, quinoa, or whole-wheat pasta. Foods high in protein, such as lean meats, dals, soybeans, eggs, peanut butter or chicken breasts are also an amazing option.

Chips, cookies, ice creams, sugary drinks, like soda, juice, and packaged foods are OK once in a while, but better if avoided. 

Help them in staying active

Encourage your pumpkins to indulge in some physical activity for at least 30 minutes each day. Let them go for a walk, run, bike ride, or play soccer, basketball, or just play cricket together as a family. Anything that gets them moving would be a good stress reliever.

In the end, focus on healthy habits, like eating well and staying active. This can give kids and parents a sense of control during these uncertain times.