Thread by @docbhooshan

Yesterday @heytal asked me some questions about kids and play during this phase. Parents are at home (mostly). House helps are given off (hopefully) and schools, tuitions, sports is shutdown (definitely).

What are ground rules?
Should kids play with other kids?

Are non touch games okay?

I will try to answer these questions.

1. Present advisory is about avoiding social contact. This can flatten the curve of outbreak. So playing games with friends is definitely a no no.

2. Children usually don't follow don't touch and keep distance rule in play. It can't remain play with such rules.

3. Regular hand washing is advised. Following steps in this photo is the correct way to wash hands.

4. Lot of modern parents believe that it is their primary responsibility to keep kids entertained or "meaningfully engaged" all the time. This is un necessary.
Kids can find their own engagements or get bored. So far no one has died of boredom. It is safer than Covid19.

5. Children can start helping at home. Middle-class Indian families shun housework. This is a good opportunity to become self reliant.

6. We are in critical time zone of outbreak where stopping it from community spread is vital.

Assertiveness in parenting will go a long way.
Many parents are likely to find their parental authority during this period.

It will be a welcome cultural change.

#IndiaFightsCorona

This is also expressed well in this marathi article in Loksatta by @MeChinya

loksatta.com/pune-news/coro…