Family

with Zoe Belhomme FIT FAM

Little People, Big Talk Henriette Teuchler, School Health Professional at ESF Kennedy School, shares some tips on how to talk to children about the current COVID-19 outbreak.

Watching the news and following information on social media about the COVID-19 virus can have the effect of making us all feel more anxious and worried, even more so for our children.

The children are aware of schools being closed and seeing people wearing masks or being asked to put one on themselves. They pick up on the reactions of parents/ adults around them, so they all know that something is happening.

With that in mind, here are some simple tips on how to communicate positively and effectively with children about the current pandemic. Keep Communicating Not talking about the virus and all these changes will make them feel anxious and may create feelings of panic. We should inform the children, provide sensible facts about what has happened, explain what is going on now (with a focus on positive facts) and give them clear information about how to reduce their risk of being infected by the disease in words that they can understand depending on their age.

Model Calm and Open Behaviour Children, no matter what age, have a tendency to copy the reaction of the adults around them. It is therefore important that we keep calm and not panic, in order to help the children understand what is happening and decrease their levels of anxiety. Being calm, open and honest about our own thoughts/feelings when talking to our children about the COVID-19 virus can help increase the feeling of calm and safety in our children. It is important to reassure them that they are safe despite what they might be seeing or hearing around them.

Maintain Routines Try to keep up routines and normalcy as much as possible during this time, and teach children how to protect themselves from getting sick, such as thorough hand washing, using alcohol gel when out and about, and wearing a mask in crowded places, as recommended by the Centre for Health Protection. Remind them to try not to touch their face or share eating utensils. These actionable instructions can help decrease anxiety and promote a sense of calm and control.

Keep It Fun Most importantly, try to incorporate fun, being outdoors, exercise and relaxation for your children every day, as these are all ways to increase the children's wellbeing and boost their immune systems, while at the same time decreasing anxiety and panic.

BAKE IT OFF If your little one loves to experiment in the kitchen, check out Bakebe, a candy-coloured baking space between Wan Chai and Admiralty. Two of our Liv mamas recently tested out a unicorn cupcake class with their five-year-olds, and it went over a treat! On arrival, you’re given a quick tour and a video explainer with the recipe and method. Equipment and ingredients are meticulously stored at stations around the space and the kids had a great time scooping, measuring and weighing the goods. With the help of Bakebe’s app, kids can actually complete the bulk of the work themselves, with parents on hand to handle hot or breakable items. Excitement levels reached all-time highs as the girls learned how to make rainbow swirl frosting, while the fondant unicorn horn and ears (mercifully made by the Bakebe staff) provided the perfect finishing touches. The whole process took around two hours, including a pit stop at the pick ‘n’ mix candy counter while we waited for the cupcakes to bake. The large, pristine and airy space makes this a perfect diversion while schools are off. $468 per parent and child duo. Includes instructions, equipment and ingredients. 3/F, 19 Hennessy Rd., Kam Chung Commercial Building, Wan Chai, 2117-9622, bakebe.com.

PARENT PICKS

PLANET ORGANIC Did you know that 60 percent of newborns experience eczema before the age of one? Faced with this problem for her own baby, one Hong Kong mum created The Wee Bean, an online store offering organic baby essentials. From bamboo fiber swaddles and hooded towels, to cotton bibs and wooden pacifier clips and teethers, The Wee Bean stocks a wide range of useful items that are hypoallergenic and gentle on baby skin. The line recently won a 2020 HK Smart Design Green Award for its sustainable design, packaging and production, and a portion of sales are donated to a local charity helping children in need in Southeast Asia. Check out the proudly local “Taste of Hong Kong” collection, featuring cute onesies and towels with patterns inspired by the city’s iconic food culture. Gift sets are also available for any new or expecting mama pals you may want to surprise. theweebean.com

Zoe Belhomme is our resident fitness writer and new mum. She loves working out, eco-friendly parenting, and partnering with her husband to produce some of the region’s biggest sports events at MBS Concepts. Reach out to her directly with your healthy family news at zoe@liv.media.

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