Family members talk to Monarose Sheila Pereira about the innovative ways they used to explain about the lockdown to their little children. Over to them.... 

Sandeep Menezes: Corporate Communications Professional 

It was very difficult explaining to my four-year old bubbly boy who likes to play outdoors; but then my child's health and wellbeing is paramount. I also knew that a four-year old would not understand Corona so I adopted a different approach. I therefore gave my child incentives for staying indoors such as purchased chocolates, streamed cartoons on television and offered to buy him presents. This worked for a few months and then he became restless. Therefore under the supervision of elders, we allowed him to play outdoors for a few hours each day. 

Gracy Fernandes: Home Maker and Handicraft Artist 

It was initially very difficult to explain to our small son about COVID and it is even more difficult to tell him not to go out. He is very active and wants to go out and play with his friends. I told him a story about COVID to make him understand. But it is still a difficult situation, as the child wants to go out and play. We have to remind him all the time. My husband Ruel and I try to play with him at home and keep him busy.

Dr. Saloni Paranjape: BLK Superspeciality Hospital, New Delhi 

At the start of the lockdown, my 5-year-old son was happy with schools being shut, though slowly it became clear that he was not going out of the house at all. As both my husband and I are doctors, we continued going to work. We explained to him that this was a new virus that gives you a fever and cough. We would wear masks and special suits to keep ourselves safe. He quickly learnt the hand washing and sanitizing routine and started wearing a mask himself. I explained to him that even with precautions, it was still possible to get the virus. I did not want him to ostracize anyone who was positive. Television advertisements were scary with floor cleaners to toilet cleaners all advertising their ability to kill Coronavirus. He thought we weren’t taking the virus seriously since we hadn’t bought those brands. I reassured him that as long as we followed the mask, hand wash, distancing and no touching our face rules, we would all be fine. 

Suvarna Masurkar: Executive Assistant  

In the first few months of the pandemic, my granddaughter found it very exciting - with clapping hands and lighting lamps, which was out of the routine. As days went by, she realized she is deprived of her evening garden rounds, swings, slides and merry-go-rounds. She started getting anxious and furious at times. Coronavirus becomes a source of daily conversation. I spoke to her about it at bedtime, which configured into a vivid story time. I explained to her that a tiny virus causes COVID and one gets cough, fever and trouble in breathing. 

Washing hands with soap became a routine game for her, playing with soap bubbles. I have also told her to remain away from people coughing. When told not to touch the mouth and eyes she would react indifferently and utter Go Corona Go! Go Corona Go! To top it all we played doctor and patients and she would make me breathe heavily. She has learnt to use the mask and sanitize her hands. She also has a video speaking about Coronavirus, which is homework from school. The moment we ventured out for some shopping, she would frighten us by saying that the Corona inspector will take you away.