Netali Zamir

Country: Israel
Job title: Development therapist and parents’ guide in early childhood
Sector: Health & early childhood education
Works with children: Mostly 0-1 year, also 2-3 years
Years of experience in her role: 16 years

If you could send one positive message to your colleagues around the globe at these challenging times, what would it be?

My message would be to move your body, remember to breathe, and act with love. These actions help us stay strong. It will help us serve as examples for the families we work with.

If you could send one positive message to children and families/caregivers around the globe at these challenging times, what would it be?

My message to children and families would be to look at the positive side of this period. Enjoy your time together as much as you can; try to do fun things together. Play, dance, hug, and give love!

What would you like people to know and understand about your work during the COVID-19 pandemic?

We have been trying to continue our work and help mothers connect better with their babies through workshops.

I give workshops in “infant massage”, and “Mother and baby time” (which includes singing and dancing together). We continued to provide these workshops by Zoom video calls.  I also built a “family dance” workshop via Zoom, for families who want to have quality time together.  It was a great success!

What are you learning during these times as an individual and a professional?

I’m learning as an individual that “the show must go on.” Life is stronger than any virus. For me, it means that I try to keep doing my best, watch less news, and not let fear manage my life.

As a professional, I’m learning that mothers of babies born in this period are finding close relationships helpful (even more than before!). They felt more secure with their husbands working from home. I also see that massage is the best remedy for reducing stress for both babies and their parents!

When you think about the work you are doing and children and families you are serving what concerns you the most now and for the next period?

I am concerned about the economic situation and that people will lose their jobs.  I know from studies that poor economic families are more at risk, and financial stress can influence parenting and relationships within the family.