There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the issue of school reopening in Kenya. The infection rates are still high, and some parts of the country are still under lockdown with an early curfew in place. The current lockdown measures were eased, and the school reopening is set for May 10th. Despite the uncertainty, eventually, the kids will go back to school. The infection rate might go down, but there’s a huge possibility that the children will go back to school in a pandemic. It’s therefore paramount that parents start putting together a safety starter pack for the kids. You want to arm your kids for the safest school experience possible. Here are three things you can do when sending your little ones back to school.
A supply of masks
Top on your back-to-school shopping list should be a weekly supply of disposable masks. To help you have a rough estimate on how many masks you should buy, your kids should have at least one or two spare daily. They’ll have an extra mask if one breaks or gets dirty. However, you have to start training your kids on how to wear their masks correctly. Gradually, you will build up their face-covering endurance to help them wear a face-covering mask for extended periods. If your children are not spending enough time during the day wearing a mask, they will have a hard time spending four to six hours wearing one in class.
Pack a sanitizer
According to the World Health Organization, masks alone do not protect against Coronavirus. It is to be combined with other preventive measures such as physical distancing and hand hygiene. Personal hygiene at school can be a challenge, but the best way to address it is to ensure your kids have sanitizer in their bags. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60% or higher is recommended. It kills most types of bacteria, fungi, and viruses like the Coronavirus. Ensure that you demonstrate how to apply it correctly by practicing as often as practicable. Where possible, advise them to avoid communal hand-washing stations. Also, make sure you choose a sanitizer with kid-friendly scents; some have wild smells.
A happy boy ready for back to school with a mask on and a sanitizer.
Lots of love and support
Send them away to school with a lot of love, support, and positive vibes. Now more than ever, we must ensure that our kids have a good and positive mindset. As a parent, you must teach your children constantly. They’re always watching you, and everything you do is an example they are exposed to more than any school. If you speak optimistically about the world and the new school term, they will pick on that and adopt a positive attitude. Practice more patient with the kids because they will need a lot of time and support to reacclimate to school life. Adjust your expectations and meet your kids where they are, not where they should be. Lastly, at the end of the day, probably after completing their homework, let them enjoy educational games on Tizi.
