Both schools and parents are under pressure with regards to sending children back to school. Here you can find resources for both parents and schools to help children’s health and wellbeing in the context of COVID-19, and the ripple effects their return to school on their families and communities.
COVID-19 and reopening schools for children with autism and other special needs
Ilana Gerschlowitz is director of the Star Academy, which caters for the education needs of children on the autism spectrum or with a related disorder. She shares key insights into safely reopening these schools during the COVID-19 pandemic
Home-schooling and learning: tips from clinical psychologist Candice Cowen
Many parents became instant teachers as South African schools closed in March. With plans to gradually reopen schools from June, there’s no doubt that children’s sense of safety could be challenged. Can it be that this generation will grow up afraid of human contact?
Children and COVID-19: What is currently known?
While the world gets to grips with flattening the infection rate curve of COVID-19 and practising strict preventive measures, many parents are concerned, in particular, for their children. We take a look at what’s been determined thus far.
Teach children to protect themselves from COVID-19
Protecting your child begins with educating yourself about coronavirus 2019 and avoiding the misconceptions doing the rounds about this disease. Speak to your children calmly about it and most importantly, teach them the preventive habits that protect them from acquiring illness.
Protecting children at high risk of severe illness linked to COVID-19
Recent studies show that the impact of COVID-19 on children is often moderate or mild. Yet, there is a particular group of children who are possibly more vulnerable if they contract COVID-19. You can help protect them.
Clinical psychologist: Keeping kids and parents mentally healthy through COVID-19
Clinical psychologist Joanna Kleovoulou urges parents to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic could impact their own and their children’s mental health. How should parents respond to their children’s needs in an age appropriate way, and go about protecting their mental health?
How to help your teenager manage their mental health during COVID-19 and beyond
How can you help your teenager cope with the stress and anxiety around COVID-19? Cassey Chambers, operations director at the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, shares advice for parents on how to spot signs of anxiety and support their teens.
Helping children’s response to COVID-19: By Prof Renata Schoeman
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we live. For children, understanding these changes is a challenge in itself. How can parents navigate this? Professor Renata Schoeman offers some tips.
Nikki Bush: How to work from home when you have kids
We’ve all been there: You have an online client meeting, but your children are asking for help with their maths, and your spouse is busy too. What to do? Speaker and author Nikki Bush shares expert advice for parents on how to work from home when your children are there too.
Playdates during a pandemic: Is it safe to let kids play together?
The rampant rise of COVID-19 infections across the world has had a significant impact on all of our lives. Many countries, including our own, have already implemented drastic measures to try and flatten the infection rate curve. Physical distancing and now the strict stay-at-home containment measures are key, and apply to playdates between children too.
What you need to know when talking to your kids about COVID-19
With the world currently trying to keep up to speed with all the latest developments relating to coronavirus 2019, children are in a vulnerable position when it comes to understanding what it’s all about and how it actually affects their lives. As a parent, do you really know how to address the current health concerns with your children?
COVID-19 - How to comfort and help your children cope
News about COVID-19 is non-stop at the moment. Many adults are sifting through an enormous amount of information daily. Can you imagine how this is all being interpreted by young minds?
Tips to manage schooling at home
Some schools around the country have begun implementing alternative measures for remote education. Many parents are having to adapt working from home, while managing their children’s schooling at the same time.
Speaking to children about COVID-19
It isn’t business as usual, especially for children right now. But there are ways of navigating the “new normal” that we all find ourselves in, particularly so that children emerge from this experience with enhanced resilience..
COVID-19 - How to comfort and help your children cope
News about COVID-19 is non-stop at the moment. Many adults are sifting through an enormous amount of information daily. Can you imagine how this is all being interpreted by young minds?
Ilana Gerschlowitz: Supporting a child who has autism through COVID-19
Managing the daily lives of typically developing children during the national stay at home is challenging for any parent or caregiver. However, for parents of a child who has autism, the stay-at-home period and all measures aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 can be particularly challenging.
Pregnancy in the time of COVID 19: An obstetrician’s expert view
What does it mean to be pregnant in the time of a pandemic such as COVID-19? Are mothers and babies at risk of contracting the virus? What symptoms can they look for? Prof Priya Soma-Pillay talks about everything pregnant women need to know.
Pregnancy during COVID-19: Mental wellbeing advice for expecting mothers
When you’re pregnant, your mental wellbeing is of the utmost importance. But how do you stay positive when the stress and worry about COVID-19 affects us all? Professor Renata Schoeman, new mom and psychiatrist, shares her experience and insight.
Toddlers and masks: Do’s and Don’ts
Masks are essential for curbing the spread of Covid-19 and as children return to school and interact with others, their masks should be used in the most effective way.