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The pandemic brought several activities to a halt, and sports was one of them. However, after what seemed like forever, kids are finally back on the field. Various sports coaching such as football, basketball, badminton, and swimming have begun, and kids are all but happy to be indulging in their favorite sports. While it does seem like the world is slowly bouncing back to what it was before the pandemic, the truth is far from it. We are still very much amidst the pandemic, and several countries are experiencing a second and third wave. Hence, it is of utmost importance to ensure that safety measures are being implemented if you send your child for sports. We’ve listed a few precautionary steps for you to keep in mind if your child is out there playing their favorite sport:
- Is The Activity Approved And Safe?
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Before sending your child for any sports activity, first, check to see if your local government has given the green signal for the activity to resume. This is primarily because some sports activities like swimming are still halted for the safety of all. Secondly, is it an indoor or outdoor activity? Typically, indoor activities are on the more dangerous end simply because the virus is easier to spread in a closed environment. You might have to give it a second thought, mainly if it is a contact sport.
- Strike All Safety Measures Off The List
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Do not compromise on the most basic of safety measures. Make sure your child is tested before the coaching begins. Additionally, check with the sports institute if the other children have been tested as well. Your child has to be taught to wash his or her hands before and after the game. Use a hand sanitizer in case water is not available. It is best if your child brings their equipment instead of using what the sports organizers provide. You can label the items so that it does not get mixed up. It is best if children carry their own water bottles.
- Ask Yourself If Your Home Is Safe
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We are obsessed with the idea of getting infected, but oftentimes we forget to ask ourselves if we are the threat. If you are sending your child out to play, assess the situation at home first. Is someone at home showing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19? Has your ward developed a mild fever, or did so in the last two weeks? If yes, get the concerned person, as well as the rest of the family, tested. This way, you won’t contribute to the spread of the virus.
- Talk To Your Child
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Children know that there is a pandemic going on, as they too are affected by its changes. However, it is also important for them to understand what exactly this entails. It is our duty as parents to talk to them and make them grasp the severity of the situation. Adults are not the only ones who are scared of what is going on; children are too. Tell them that it’s going to be okay, but the safety measures are critical and must be followed at all costs.
Older adults and children are most vulnerable, and this might scare you. For now, we can only do our part by taking care of ourselves and our loved ones. Go ahead and talk to your child’s health care provider if you have any doubts. Keep yourself up to date with all the latest news surrounding COVID-19, so you do not miss out on any vital information. Do you have anything to share about keeping your little ones safe amidst the pandemic? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
