How Parents Can Support Their Children Through the Coronavirus Outbreak
As schools close and workplaces go remote to prevent the spread of the new Coronavirus, parents are struggling to keep their children healthy and occupied. The Coronavirus brings with it feelings like anxiety, stress and uncertainty, and they are felt especially strong by children of all ages. Though all children deal with such emotions in different ways, they are going to need to feel loved and supported now more than ever.
Find out what your child already knows. If they are particularly young and have not heard a lot, you may not need to raise the issue. But some children may want to spend some time talking. Don’t minimize or avoid their concerns. Assure them that it is natural to feel scared about these things. This could be a good time to explain the importance of social distancing and good hygiene practices, without introducing new fears. Parents should make themselves available to help them work through their fears. If your child doesn’t seem interested and doesn’t ask a lot of questions, that’s okay.
Experts agree that setting and sticking to a regular schedule is key, even when you are home all day. Kids should get up, eat and go to bed at their normal times. Consistency and structure are calming during times of stress. Children, especially younger ones or those who are anxious, benefit from knowing what’s going to happen next. The schedule can mimic a school day, changing activities at predictable intervals, and alternating periods of study and play.
Be creative about new activities-and exercise. Incorporate new activities into your routine, like puzzles, arts and crafts, board games or even household projects. Build in activities that help everyone get some exercise and children burn off energy. Nightly walks, bike rides, yoga, or scootering around the neighborhood, as long as families follow public guidelines and maintain at least 6 feet of separation from other people. Maintaining adequate levels of physical activity is critical for physical and emotional heath, and our immune system is better equipped when we are active.
There is a lot of misinformation circulating about the Coronavirus. Staying informed is important, but it is a good idea to limit consumption of news and social media that has the potential to feed anxiety to your children. When a child sees a lot of troubling images on TV or online, it can sometimes feel like they are in imminent danger. Let your children use social media within reason to stay connected with peers. Communication can help children feel less alone and reduce some of the stress that come from being away from friends.
Remember that children will react to both what you say and how you say it. They will pick up on cues from the conversations you have with them and with others. Offer comfort and support and focus on helping your child feel safe, but be truthful.
Mary Jo Hartwell, Practice Manager
Here are some links that were used to compile this blog:
6 ways Parents Can Support Their Kids Through The Coronavirus Outbreak (UNICEF)
What Parents Should Know (UNICEF)
https://www.unicef.org/stories/novel-coronavirus-outbreak-what-parents-should-know
Supporting Kids During the Coronavirus
https://childmind.org/article/supporting-kids-during-the-covid-19-crisis/
Talking with Kids About Coronavirus
https://news.usc.edu/167150/parents-children-covid-19-tips-usc-experts/