You are so ill, you can't get out of bed; who will care for the kids?
As COVID-19 plays out around the world, we hear horror stories about parents juggling child care with being really ill and barely able to care for themselves. Though the outbreak doesn't seem as bad in Kenya as Italy or Spain or the USA, we can't discount the fact that it will likely become just as bad if not worse. Everyone is at risk of infection and now, while you are well, is the time to plan for the worst-case scenario. What if you get sick and can't take care of the kids? It's prudent to be prepared for anything if you and or your co-parent fall ill.
Before you get sick, do this:
- Make a crisis plan: identify friends or family members who live nearby and can help take care of your kids if you happen to fall ill. Remember, they must not be classified as high-risk otherwise you will be putting them at serious risk (older people or people with underlying health conditions).
- Share with your networks the potential caregivers contact info. This will help family, hospitals and others know who to liaise with in case of a crisis
- Make sure your affairs are in order in case of anything (yes, it's finally time to draft up a will and gather your important documents in one place). We're living in very uncertain times.
- Show your kids where all the important documents are kept
- It's vital that you share all your emergency contacts with your kids and tell them at what point they should make a phone call on your behalf if you are no longer able.
- Train your kids to do simple chores around the house. Demonstrate how they ought to clean up, make simple meals, do their homework and take care of pets and plants. Designate supervisory duties to your eldest.
After you are sick do this:
- Unless you're at a higher risk for contracting a severe case of Covid-19 due to age and/or existing health complications or unless you start to have difficulty breathing, stay home as with influenza or another viral respiratory infection.
- If possible, you should Isolate in your own room and warn the kids not to come visiting. Ask your caregiver/partner to wear gloves, maintain high standards of hygiene and adhere to these boundaries until a doctor deems you to have a low risk of transmission, or after around 14 days.
- Don't send your kids to their grandparents. You don't want your kids to infect their grandparents who are much more at risk for complications of the disease than you are.
- Now it's time to rest and recuperate. Because you have made a plan, you know that your kids are in good hands so you don't have to stress about anything except getting better.
