Parenting

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The mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of young children are directly tied to the physical, psychological and social capacity of their caregivers and families. In Bhutan, UNICEF supports the Ministry of Education to implement a National Parenting Education programme and contextualize and pilot the Caring for the Caregiver package, helping…

Many people who get sick with COVID-19 experience mild symptoms and are able to recover at home. For a lot of families living together though, it’s often difficult to avoid spreading the virus to others. Here are some tips on what to do if you or a family member gets sick.   People who test positive for COVID-19 and have mild or no symptoms can…, How to care for someone with COVID-19, As you look after your sick family member, remember to take care of yourself too. Limit the number of caregivers. Ideally, assign one person who is in good health and not at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 – i.e. fully vaccinated, below 60 years old and with no chronic health conditions.  Help the sick person to follow instructions from…, How to wash your hands, What to tell children if someone falls sick in the family, Being sick is hard on everyone in the family, including those who aren’t ill. How children respond to the situation depends a lot on their age. Younger children might not understand what is going on and why they suddenly cannot see a parent or sibling. For older children it can cause worry and painful feelings. Some might blame themselves for what…, What to do if you fall ill, If you feel ill or test positive for COVID-19 then stay home. If your condition worsens or you have difficulty breathing, call your healthcare facility immediately.  If you are your child’s sole caregiver, then consider who could look after your child if you become too ill to do so. Ideally, the caregiver should be someone who is not at higher…, What to do if your child is ill, If your child has COVID-19 symptoms, then seek medical advice as soon as they start to feel unwell, even if symptoms are mild. If your doctor says it is safe to care for your child at home, try to limit contact to one caregiver as much as possible to protect other family members – especially those at high risk of severe disease – from being…

When 11-year-old Kelvin* recounts his earliest memories of home, it’s a mix tape of cane lashes and emotional isolation. Living with his father and stepmother in a small local community in Nigeria meant he often felt like the scapegoat for all of the family misfortunes. He often shivered in loneliness at night in a room outside the main building…, Universal access to parenting programmes that prevent abuse and neglect, Evidence shows that parenting programmes are the most impactful way of preventing abuse and neglect. A minimum package of evidence based and low-cost parenting interventions, or ‘ parenting vaccines ’, can be delivered through home visits in early childhood with boosters through childhood and adolescence.   Trained professionals help parents learn…, Reimagining Parenting, Today UNICEF will join WHO and the UN Special Representative on Violence Against Children to call on all UN Member States to scale up a minimum package of parenting programmes which are adaptable to the local context. We will be joined by the Governments of Japan and Jamaica and Nadine Burke Harris , one of the world’s most prominent advocate on…

Evidence-based parenting programmes and interventions are a scalable and cost-effective way to support parents and caregivers and prevent abuse, neglect and adversity in childhood. They contribute to good mental health and well-being for children and their caregivers, and reduce risk-taking behaviours throughout the life course. Once initial start…

Dear Leo, It has been six months since you came into this world like a whirlwind, turning your dad and me into confused-but-never-been-happier parents. We were warned many times about how life would change after your arrival, but it wasn’t until that magical moment when we held you for the first time, that we could fully comprehend that your birth…

UNICEF’s vision for integrated, multilevel programming moves beyond approaching parents as recipients of information or education, to a more collaborative partnership where there is a co-construction of support for the child as well as for/with the parents themselves. Key features include: moving towards strengths-based rather than “deficit-…

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruptions to daily life and children are feeling these changes deeply. While a return to school will be welcomed by many students, others will be feeling anxious or frightened. Here are tips to help your children navigate some of the complicated emotions they may be facing with going back to school.  , My child is scared to go back to school. How can I help him feel at ease? , Starting school or starting a new school year can be stressful at the best of times, let alone during a global pandemic. You can make him feel at ease by having an open conversation about what it is that’s worrying him and letting him know that it’s natural to feel anxious. Children may feel nervous or reluctant to return to school, especially if…, My child’s school is recommending the wearing of protective clothing, which is making my child feel more nervous. What should I say to her?, Approach this conversation with empathy, saying that you know she is feeling anxious and that it’s healthy to talk about our worries and emotions. Children may also get upset or frustrated if they find it hard to wear masks. Try reassuring your children that lots of adults are working hard to help keep your family safe, but emphasize that it's…, How can I encourage my child to follow precautions (such as frequent handwashing,  etc.) at school without alarming her?, Regular handwashing is an important precaution to protect children (and all of us!) not just against COVID-19, but other diseases as well. And encouraging frequent handwashing with your children doesn't need to be a scary conversation. Sing along with their favourite song or do a dance together to make learning fun. Make sure to teach them about…, My child is not part of the same group as his close friends returning to school and is feeling even more isolated. How can he feel more connected to the classroom and his friends?, If your child’s school starts to return gradually, your child may be anxious about being separated from his friends. When the official reopening of schools is announced, help him get ready to return to school by sharing information on when and how this will happen.  Letting your kids know ahead of time that schools may need to close again will…, How can I gently check in to see how my child is coping?, It’s important to be calm and proactive in your conversations with children – check in with them to see how they are doing. Their emotions will change regularly and you need to show them that’s okay. Whether at school or at home, caregivers can engage children in creative activities, such as playing and drawing, to help them express and…, Is there anything I should look out for as my child starts back at school?, In addition to checking in on your child’s physical health and learning when she goes back to school, you should also keep an eye out for signs of stress and anxiety. COVID-19 may be impacting your child’s mental health, and it’s important to demonstrate that it’s normal and OK to feel overwhelmed at times. When in doubt, empathy and support are…, My child is worried about bullying at school and online, how can I talk to him about it?, If your child is worried about bullying either in person or online, it’s important to let him know that he is not alone and can always talk to you or another trusted adult. The more you  talk to your children about bullying , the more comfortable they will be telling you if they see or experience it. Check in with your children daily and ask about…

01 September 2021 Masks help stop the COVID-19 virus from spreading, but that doesn’t make them easy to introduce to children, as many parents have been discovering. The practice of wearing a mask to reduce the transmission of germs has a long history in some countries. But for many families, 2020 will be remembered as the first time putting on a…, Why wear a mask or face covering?, One of the main ways that COVID-19 spreads is through respiratory droplets that people expel when they talk, sing, cough or sneeze. While research is ongoing, we now know that the virus can be spread by people not showing symptoms, meaning some people can be contagious and not even realize it. That is one of the reasons why physical distancing is…, What type of mask should I get for my family? , Non-medical masks (also called fabric masks or face coverings): If you and your family live in a place where COVID-19 is widespread and don’t have any COVID-19 symptoms, then non-medical masks are recommended. Medical masks: Medical masks are in short supply globally because of the pandemic. They are recommended if you or a family member is at a…, What type of fabric mask is best?, Fabric masks or face coverings come in a wide variety of materials and can be something you make at home or buy in a store. While research into the use of fabric masks is ongoing, their effectiveness depends on the types of fabric used and the number of layers. The World Health Organization recommends three layers made up of: an inner layer of…, What about face shields?, Face shields help provide eye protection, but are not the same as masks when it comes to protection from respiratory droplets. However, for those who have difficulties wearing a non-medical mask (people with cognitive, respiratory, or hearing impairments, for example), face shields can be considered as an alternative. If you choose to use one,…, Can wearing a mask make me sick?, While wearing a mask can be uncomfortable sometimes, it does not lead to CO2 intoxication nor oxygen deficiency. If you are wearing a medical mask, be sure it fits correctly and that it is tight enough to allow you to breathe normally. Do not re-use a disposable mask and always change it as soon as it gets damp. When wearing a fabric mask, make…, When should my family wear a mask?, Check to see if your local authorities require you to wear masks in certain settings and for any age-specific recommendations where you live.  Whether your children should wear a mask depends on a number of factors, including their age and ability to safely and appropriately use a mask.  > Jump to Is it safe for children to wear masks If COVID-…, When shouldn’t you wear a mask?, Masks should not be worn by anyone who is unable to remove the mask without help, including infants and young children, or anyone having difficulty breathing. If you or a family member has a health condition or disability that makes it difficult to wear a mask, check with your doctor for advice on what is best for you.  When exercising, choose a…, How to clean a fabric mask, Wash fabric masks using soap or detergent, preferably in hot water (at least 60 degrees Celsius) at least once a day. If machine washing, use the warmest appropriate setting for the type of fabric. If handwashing, use hot, soapy water. After washing, the mask should be dried completely before being worn again. Store masks in a clean bag., Is it safe for children to wear masks?, Based on an expert review of COVID-19 and transmission in children, and other factors such as children's psychosocial needs and developmental milestones, WHO and UNICEF advise the following: Ages 0-5 UNICEF and WHO recommend  that children aged 5 years and under should not be required to wear masks. This is based on child safety and recognizes…, How should children wear masks?, Children should follow the same principles as adults for wearing masks: Children should clean their hands for at least 20 seconds if using an alcohol-based hand rub, or at least 40 seconds if using soap and water, before putting on the mask Make sure the mask is the right size to cover the nose, mouth, and chin  Children should be taught how to…, What should I look for when getting a mask for my children? , Many masks are designed for adults and won’t fit children properly. If you are buying masks, choose one that is appropriately sized for your child. Whether you are buying or making masks for your children, check that they cover their mouth, nose and chin, and don’t have any gaps on the sides or block their vision. Make sure they can breathe…, Will wearing a mask protect my child at school?, The use of masks by children and adolescents in schools should only be considered as one part of a strategy to limit the spread of COVID-19. For information on age-specific recommendations for mask wearing, please see ‘ Is it safe for my child to wear a mask? '. WHO recommends several measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools and to…, How to wear a mask correctly , COVID-19 how to wear a mask correctly Correctly wearing, removing and caring for a mask is important to protect your health and those around you. Practice following this checklist with your family to turn it into a routine. When putting on a mask Always start by washing your hands with soap and water before putting on a mask.  Make sure the mask…, Talking to your children about masks, The COVID-19 pandemic has upset family life around the world causing stress, anxiety and sadness. Understandably masks may add to such feelings for many children, especially in places where they are not used to wearing masks. For younger children in particular, mask wearing can be confusing and upsetting.  If your family hasn’t worn masks before,…

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented, disastrous impact on the ability of people to balance work and care for their children and families. This policy brief is an outcome of a collaboration between Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO), UNICEF and the International Labour Organization (ILO) in advocating for…

Early childhood development (ECD) has many dimensions and unfolds at a breathtaking pace. Measuring ECD is a complex undertaking, and it is a new field, marked by rapid evolution, great urgency – and significant gaps in our knowledge.   We have long understood children’s development to their full potential as a General comment no. 7 (2005),…, UNICEF’s response, UNICEF works with governments and other partners to close the gaps in our knowledge of young children’s development, support monitoring and reporting on its many dimensions, and generate evidence to advocate for better resourced and targeted interventions in the early years of life. We also report on Global results global results from the…, Resources, Publisher Title UNICEF Early Childhood Development Index 2030 Early Childhood Development Index 2030 UNICEF UNICEF Data: Early Childhood Development UNICEF Data: Early Childhood Development UNICEF ECD in Emergencies: Fact Sheet ECD in Emergencies Fact Sheet UNICEF UNICEF Global Annual Results Report 2020: Goal Area 1 UNICEF Global Annual Results…, Learn more

Even in the best of times, babies and young children are among the world’s most vulnerable people. When societies are shaken by violence, disasters or disease outbreaks, their youngest members experience this as an existential threat.  Almost half of all under-five deaths are estimated to occur in fragile, conflict or violent settings. Meanwhile,…, UNICEF’s response, UNICEF works with governments, donors and other partners to ensure that the youngest children and their caregivers are visible in humanitarian contexts, and that the critical importance of early childhood development (ECD) services is recognized – both in the acute emergencies that make news headlines, and in the protracted crises the world often…, Resources, Publisher Title UNICEF Early Childhood Development Kit for Emergencies ECD Kit for Emergencies UNICEF Care for Child Development Care for Child Development UNICEF Caring for the Caregiver Caring for the Caregiver UNICEF Core Commitments for Children in Emergencies Core Commitments for Children in Emergencies UNICEF Early Childhood Development in…, Learn more