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The coronavirus pandemic has turned our life upside down what with social distancing, face masks, online schooling and Work from Home, all becoming the “new normal”. While the disease largely affects the elderly and people with co-morbidities, children are not spared either, often suffering from multiple side-effects on their physical and psycho-social well-being.

Many among the younger lot may be susceptible to generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, acute stress disorder and the worsening of the OCD symptoms for a select few.

Parents and guardians have a crucial role in reassuring children that everything is going to fall in order and that they could tide over the crisis together. Also vital is to keep the little ones healthy, both physically and psychologically.

What to do:

-- It’s vital to address their concerns about the disease and make them understand why the changed life style is needed.  Speak to your child or teen about Covid-19 in a way they can understand. Share facts from a reliable source (ie. CDC, WHO)

--Reassurance is the key. Allow them to have a comfortable space to communicate. Let them know it is okay to be not okay. This is done by sharing how you have overcome a stressful situation in the past (i.e. by talking to a loved one).

--Maintain a routine (one for online school days and the weekends).

--Limit your entire families' exposure to media and social media for news to 1-2 times per day. Children can get anxious or worried due to misunderstanding something they hear.

--Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.

Also, try simple things to help boost their immunity naturally.

Turmeric: adding a pinch of turmeric to milk makes it anti-oxidant rich

Vitamin C fruits: jamun , peaches , guava ,oranges and lemon .A juice or even a chaat from these can help beat the summer heat and fight infections.

Dry fruits, nuts and seeds: these are nutrient dense & provide a good source of protein , vitamins & antioxidants You can also serve trail mix or a laddoo.

Mushrooms: these are loaded with vitamin D and antioxidants which help build immunity. You can serve them in sandwiches/ pizzas/ pasta or sauté with colorful veggies or simply make a hot creamy soup.

Meat & fish: these are good source of protein , vitamin B, zinc ,iron and Omega 3 fatty acids (found in sea fish) These foods help in building up the body’s natural defence mechanism. Turn them into interesting curries/ cutlets / grills or soup.

Dairy products: Milk shakes , fruit yoghurt ,smoothies can break the monotony of the regular tall glass of milk This provide a lot of protein ,vitamin D and calcium which help build immunity.

To avoid childhood obesity, make sure your children engage in some easy exercise ,dance, yoga or any indoor physical activity, while regulating their screen time.

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