Thread by @WFRising

For parents with young children - contingency planning



WR Advisory | May 1, 2021

Corona is devastating and many families have lost multiple members due to the infection. We are seeing many young people lose lives too.

For parents with young child - a recommendation.

Please make a plan for who will take care of your child/children if and when you fall sick. Identity family / friends in the community or in BLR, even if your child is suspected to have COVID and need clearance.

That means the caretaker should not have aging parents or co-morbidities and hence will not be in a position to offer this help.

IMP - have a conversation with family / friends as tough as it may be to have it. Have a back up plan in case first priority is no more.

If your only option is relatives who are out of state, please contact them and have a plan in place. Let them know that they will need to come to Bangalore at a moments notice if need be.

Write down the details of your plan and back up plan. Email it to your identified care taker and family.

Keep it in a place that will be easily accessible in case of emergency.

Note down all information that the identified caretaker will need to know about your child/children - allergies, medication, likes / dislikes which will go a long way to help reduce the stress and strain on you child/children and the caretaker.

We are bringing this to your attention as THIS scenario happened today. A very young child was left behind at home. Father died due to COVID, mom taken to hospital in a critical condition. No relatives in BLR. Neighbour took the child in, even though the child is COVID suspected.

MAKE A PLAN for your child/ children. Share it with the identified care taker. Make a WILL if you think it relevant.

We pray that you all are safe, and continue to be safe.

For people looking to help in such situations, call:

Child Helpline @ 1098

1098 can connect you to child protection services.

Other contact details to call for kids needing support.