Teaching Children To Obey Health Protocol Can Be Started By Inviting Children To Choose Their Own Masks

JAKARTA - In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is still not over, children over the age of two are recommended to wear masks. Meanwhile, for children under two years old, alternative protection is a face shield or a protector installed in a stroller.

Manufacturers have provided several variants of masks for the public, including children's masks, which are smaller in size and decorated with interesting pictures.

Parents can invite their children to choose which masks are the most attractive to them, so that the children feel happy and want to wear masks when they have to leave the house or meet other people.

"Invite the child to choose the type of mask he likes, as long as it meets the standard," said doctor Satyanaya Widyaningrum from the University of Indonesia as quoted by Antara, Monday, August 23.

The resident of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, said the same thing could be applied to choosing the type of clothing to hand sanitizer, which is an alternative to washing hands when soap and water are not available.

Use hand sanitizer after handling something. Let the child choose which hand sanitizer he wants to use so that the habit of complying with health protocols is easier for him to apply.

Don't forget to keep reminding your child to always keep your distance when meeting other people, then wash your hands after handling things. Also, teach good handwashing movements so that they are really clean.

From the start, explain the current situation to the child in a language that is easy for them to understand. Tell them what the coronavirus is, its dangers, and how we can fight the virus. Parents can use the help of videos about the coronavirus specifically for children to make it easier for them to understand.

"If you have to leave the house, don't stay long as much as possible," he ordered.