Keep your children safe at home!

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of our lives: how we live and interact with each other, how we work and communicate, how we move around and travel. Never before, families got the chance to be together often in such an intimate way and creating stronger bonds amongst its members. At the same time, this togetherness poses challenges for many families, and in particular parents: they need to keep their children safe, healthy and protected. They are expected to support their children’s learning as well as their social-emotional wellbeing. They also need money to come in to sustain daily expenditure.

June is a Parenting Month: an opportunity to celebrate parents and their support to their children.

During this month, UNICEF would like to express its solidarity to all parents and grandparents around the world. COVID19 has demonstrated how important the role they play in the lives of their children, in ensuring their health and their overall wellbeing so that they can develop their full potential.

On this page you will find messages of encouragement and key resources to help parents cope better and support the development, growth and resilience of children in COVID times and beyond.

Key messages to parents:

• You play a key role in the development of your child, starting from early childhood when the brain develops and shapes your child’s ability to learn and grow.
• Continue with good practices in ensuring a safe, healthy and protected environment for your child.
• Encourage your child to ask questions and express her feelings openly with you - remember that your child needs to be listened to - be patient and understanding.
• Support your child’s learning even if school is closed – learning at home is important to gain knowledge and acquire skills that are needed for the education of your child and her future life.
• Do not forget that your wellbeing is as important as the wellbeing of your child – take care of your health, try to manage stress and seek professional support if needed.
• Take time to reflect on good things that you have done and celebrate for being a dedicated parent to your child.