STAY CALM, LISTEN, AND OFFER REASSURANCE

We are models for our children. Be an example for them and accessible for them. By being available to discuss COVID-19, we an help detour children from stress and help ensure they are being safe and doing everything to keep loved one safe and well. Carefully listen to your child(ren) and help them process their thoughts of what is going on in their world with the truth and reassurance.

Be sure to explain social distancing. This can easily be done with a hula hoop example. Many children, and adults, have bubbles for personal safety zones. By talking to them about following the guidelines of health experts, we can do our part by keeping others outside of our hula hoop and personal bubble. Older children can have more reasoning from the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Children strive with predictable schedules as well as nurturing adults in their lives. This helps us all to remain in control of our day as well as emotions. Have your child help create a daily schedule and post it somewhere visible in the house so that it is a reminder for all the importance of chores, work, and play. These events should include structured and unstructured routines.

Practicing mindful activities with our children can help keep us regulated. This can be taking walks, playing games, and even practicing the Conscious Discipline breathing many children know from school. (Star, Pretzel, Faucet, ect…) Create crafts that can be used as stress balls or texture relievers. This can be a great time to turn recycling products into the best inventions!

MONITOR TELEVISION VIEWING AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Ensure to monitor television, internet, and social media use for yourself and your child. These types of media an increase anxiety in all of us and will encourage more couch time which can lead to depressive thoughts. There are many rumors and information leads that may not be true. Ensure you are talking to your family members about factual disease information and find ways to provide alternative activities when you notice them being overwhelmed. Go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.htmlfor additional factual information.

TAKE TIME TO TALK

Answer your child’s questions as they come without unnecessary information. Children may be confused and will hold back on talking about their concerns or they may not want to worry loved ones. Young ones understand information in small amounts. You may get more conversation while playing. They ask questions, and listen while playing and this is repeated. Children feel empowered when you follow their lead and they and control the action while they ask questions. This sense of control can help reduce their fear.

BE AWARE OF YOUR CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH

Most children will manage well with the support of parents and other family members, even if showing signs of some anxiety or concerns, such as difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Some children, however, may have risk factors for more intense reactions, including severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal behaviors. Risk factors can include a pre-existing mental health problem, prior traumatic experiences or abuse, family instability, or the loss of a loved one. Parents and caregivers should contact a professional if children exhibit significant changes in behavior or any of the following symptoms for more than 2 weeks.

Preschoolers—thumb sucking, bedwetting, clinging to parents, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, fear of the dark, regression in behavior, and withdrawal.

Elementary school children—irritability, aggressiveness, clinginess, nightmares, school avoidance, poor concentration, and withdrawal from activities and friends.

Adolescents—sleeping and eating disturbances, agitation, increase in conflicts, physical complaints, delinquent behavior, and poor concentration.