Parents and guardians (COVID-19)

Parenting can be challenging under normal circumstances and it may be difficult as we adjust to the new normal. Adjusting to these changes can be hard for children, teenagers and for you. As we move forward, it is important you continue to talk to your children about making wise choices based on personal circumstances. COVID-19 is still circulating locally and across the province.

Be COVID-safe

To be COVID-safe means to assess your actions, think things through, and take deliberate precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Learn about how our choices can help reduce the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19.

Parenting tips during COVID-19

1. Create a flexible but consistent daily routine

Make a schedule for you and your children that has time for structured activities as well as free time. This can help children feel more secure and be better behaved. Children or teenagers can help plan the routine for the day (World Health Organization). Children will follow this schedule better if they help to make it. You can try scheduling time for exercise in each day. This helps with stress and kids with lots of energy at home!

2. Keep it positive

Children and teens are much more likely to do what we ask if we give them positive instructions (World Health Organization) and lots of praise for what they do right. For example, say the behaviour you want to see and try using positive words when telling your child what to do. For example, try saying “Please put your clothes away” instead of “Don’t make a mess”. Praise your child when they are behaving well, including when they take steps to stay COVID-safe. Praise their efforts when they remember to put on their mask or when they stay home when sick.

3. Spend one-on-one time

Set aside time to each day to spend some one-on-one time (World Health Organization) with each of your children. Ask them what they’d like to do and turn off the television or put down the phone during this time. Try reading a book, dancing to music or cooking your favourite meal!

4. Keeping calm and managing stress

This is a stressful time (World Health Organization). Try to take care of yourself, so you can support your children. A good way to get some quiet time is to set up activities that your kids can do on their own that encourage creativity. Remember, you are not alone, reach out and connect with other parents. Talking to others can help ease stress.

If you need more advice, local parenting services are available online at parenting4me.com.

COVID-19 vaccination for kids

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for children 5 years and up. After a thorough and independent scientific review of the evidence, Health Canada has determined that the benefits of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine for children between 5 and 11 years of age outweigh the risks. Children 5 to 11 years old are recommended to receive two doses, 8 weeks apart for optimal, long-lasting protection.

There are many benefits to vaccinating children against COVID-19. The vaccine will help protect them against severe illness associated with COVID-19 and can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Getting vaccinated can also reduce time away from school or activities, having a positive impact on the physical and mental health of children.

To book an appointment visit our Vaccination clinics for COVID-19 page.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccination for kids visit our Child and youth vaccine toolkit and the COVID-19 vaccine FAQ page.

Support your family’s mental health

Your children may still have questions about COVID-19, and how to keep themselves and your family safe. Don’t be afraid to chat with your children. Give them space to share how they’re feeling and be supportive by letting them know you’re there to listen.

Learn more about mental health strategies (ementalhealth.ca) to support your family and children.
Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) has a list of the top 10 parenting tips (PDF) that help during uncertain times.
Mental health literacy empowers youth, parents, educator and health professionals with the knowledge and skills that we need to help us build better lives.

Visit Wellness Together Canada website for mental health and substance use support, resources, tools, and counselling.

Pregnancy, childbirth, baby care, and breastfeeding during COVID-19

Pregnancy

This may be a stressful time to be pregnant. It is only natural to worry about the effects that COVID-19 could have on your baby. At this time, the Public Health Agency of Canada advises that pregnant individuals are at an increased risk of more severe disease or negative outcomes if they get COVID-19. This includes an increased risk of hospitalization or needing intensive care.

Public Health strongly recommends the use of multiple layers of protection (PDF) such as vaccination, masking, practising physical distancing, hand-washing and self-screening daily. Practise COVID-safe tips to protect yourself and others.

COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC) and the Government of Ontario recommend that all pregnant individuals, or those trying to become pregnant, should receive all COVID-19 vaccination doses, including any booster dose(s), when eligible at any stage in pregnancy.

Pregnant individuals who are unvaccinated are at risk for severe COVID-19 complications.

For more information, refer to the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant website or COVID-19 Vaccination: Special Populations Vaccination in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Decision-Making Support Tool (Government of Ontario, PDF).

Breastfeeding

COVID-19 has not been found in breast milk (Public Health Agency of Canada). Breastfeeding is recommended and we encourage all breastfeeding mothers to continue to breastfeed, even if they develop symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive for COVID-19.

If you think you have COVID-19, follow the precautions listed above (under Baby Care) when feeding your baby. Consider the following as well:

use a clean towel on your nursing pillow (if using one) each time you feed your baby.
sterilize any breast pump equipment carefully before and after each use. After every use, wash pump/containers with liquid soap. Rinse for 10-15 seconds with hot water.
do not share infant feeding equipment.

If you are too sick to breastfeed or care for your baby have a healthy adult provide the care. When they are providing care to the baby, they should also wear a well-fitted face mask and wash their hands often.

Recent research has shown that the antibodies produced from the COVID-19 vaccine are transferred to the infant through the breastmilk when breastfeeding, providing the infant with some protection against COVID-19. For more information, refer to the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccination: Special Populations Vaccination in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Decision-Making Support Tool (Government of Ontario, PDF)

The following resources from Public Health Agency of Canada and SafelyFed Canada may be helpful. You can also visit our breastfeeding section for more general breastfeeding information.

If you have questions about breastfeeding or feeding your baby, call to speak with one of our public health nurses at 705.522.9200, ext. 342 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

For other breastfeeding services visit ontariobreastfeeds.ca, chat on line with Health Connect Ontario or by phone at 1.866.797.0007 for 24/7 support or try the SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service, a by-appointment phone service that provides a safe, judgment-free space to have an open conversation about the COVID-19 vaccine. The consult service provides expert guidance for children, youth and those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to conceive.

Remember, we are here for you.

You can also visit our schools and daycare section for more general information on this topic.

This item was last modified on May 13, 2022