The whole world has been alarmed by recent outbreak of new coronavirus. Here in China, where it all started, millions of people are quarantined and are staying home from school and work, patiently waiting for the situation to subside. There are quite a few things we can do working together as a family during uncertain times.

1. It is a great time for bonding. Many families don’t spend that much time together in one shot anymore due to work, studies, extracurricular activities and travel. So see, it is a blessing in disguise! Working together as a family during uncertain times has many wonderful benefits. You can actually learn so much more about each other and use these precious days for making changes in your relationships.

2. Limit social media access for your child and also stop reading too much yourself. There are always scary stories floating around, especially about new viruses. Read proper sources and educate your children based on the materials that are made available for explaining the outbreaks of the diseases.

3. Implement strict rules of personal hygiene:

– weak a mask when outside and dispose of them as soon as you are back indoors

– wash hands when back home and before every meal

– don’t touch your face when you are outdoors

– use hand-sanitizer (commercial or homemade natural one – see my next post) to wipe over surfaces and door knobs

– clean your house and air it out daily

– change clothes that you wore outdoor and wash them

4. Set a simple but clear schedule and a routine. It will help children to have clear expectations and not get bored easily trying to entertain themselves all day long. See my next post for some ideas and suggestions on how to organize and optimize your day, especially with young children around.

5. Spend time outdoors. Despite some popular opinions on staying home and not going out – you SHOULD get out, at least to your balcony or front port. Fresh air is good for your health, and especially if it is sunny – you need all that vitamin D to support your immune system.

6. Connect with family and friends. Even if you are sure everyone is OK, drop them a message or give a call. If not for them – for your own sake and support. And remember, sometimes people don’t tell everyone how they truly feel, but they WILL appreciate that someone cares for them.

7. Allow yourself and children to express emotions. Talk about feelings, name them. Being “cooked up” in the house could affect you, especially if the weather is not very good for being outdoors. And some people are known to fall into seasonal depression + all the feelings that are accumulated from worries about the infection. Spending few minutes a day talking about your emotions in a family circle.

8. Keep an eye on how you are feeling. Avoid unnecessary hospital trips but don’t hesitate to visit the hospital if your fever goes over 37.3C (99.1F) and/or you start feeling weakness, respiratory distress or any other discomfort.

I am wishing you all to stay healthy both physically and emotionally during this uneasy time.