CAIHR researchers share parent manual for playing with toddlers while at home during lockdown

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the suspension of programmes that involved home visiting or parent groups CAIHR’s Child Development Research Group developed a Parent Manual “Activities we can do at home with baby” to be shared with parents to support playful interactions with children 0-36 months. Produced in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank, the content comprises play and language activities selected from the Reach Up programme that require few materials or materials that are simple to make with items commonly found in homes. Parenting tips on helping children feel safe and happy and tips for parents/caregivers on taking care of themselves are included. The manual can also be used to provide content for delivery by various communication media including radio, phone calls, SMS and social media.

Launched in May 2020, the manual has been used by our Reach Up partners in several countries in the design of parenting programmes delivered remotely. On October 23 we held a webinar for our partners with presentations on the implementation using varying formats including radio dramas (Mexico and Guatemala), sharing photos or videos of activities via WhatApp with follow-up calls (Brazil) and providing play materials and cards with content from the manual (Panama). In Jordan and Bangladesh, the International Rescue Committee and country partners have adapted delivery for Syrian and Rohingya refugee populations, using voice recordings for the Rohingya population where literacy levels are low. In Jamaica, we have restarted the MOHW Early Stimulation Programme with manuals and play materials given to parents, phone calls from community health aides and text messages. Further webinars are planned to discuss topics such as evaluation methods that can be done remotely, and support needs for facilitators and caregivers for the programme to be effective.