WELCOMING AND PLAYFULNESS TO SUPPORT FAMILIES

"visits" was the way Bruna Truss Schiavi (home visitor in Porto Alegre/RS) found to not disrupt the services and continue the activities to promote child development during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Virtual visits via video or voice calls continued to take place on the same days and previously defined durations. That made it possible to maintain the assistance, ensuring that families and children did not feel abandoned and even more vulnerable in such a delicate moment.

Creates Security For Families

Bruna Trus Schiavi

Antonia Rosana Sousa Castro

Program: Criança Feliz City: Pentecoste - CE

Another point the visitor addressed during the pandemic was the guidelines for avoiding

Program: PIM - Primeira Infância Melhor City: Porto Alegre – RS

Renewing the commitment, stipulating fixed days and times for carrying out the

Bruna highlighted her contact with the families was similar to the home visits and she would remain completely available to the family and interested in their daily lives for 45 minutes. “It's no use staying connected with the family for an hour if the contact lacks the necessary quality,” she said. In the visitor's planned meetings, the conversation always began with the caregivers' report on the child's potential and vulnerability in the proposed activity developed throughout the week. Based on this feedback, the visitor proposed new activities for the following week.

The visits, even if by telephone, made it possible to approach delicate matters lightheartedly and playfully. One of the games was “How to wash the little monster out of COVID-19.” The visitor gave instructions for correct hand washing techniques and asked the parents to film the child using them. The result was a kid smiling and having fun because he was destroying the little COVID monster.

One mother said in her feedback session that every time she is washing dishes, the child asks if she needs help to finish off the little COVID monster. The activity demonstrated how it is possible to promote bond strengthening through simple games and carry out educational activities with children while playfully focusing on COVID-19.

Adopting a holistic view, Bruna highlighted the importance of meetings for caregivers as well. “These are times when they can talk to us about their difficulties, concerns, anxieties, and when they manage to do that, they end up playing a better role as caregivers. When they feel welcomed, they can welcome better.”