The Covid-19 pandemic is overwhelming and frightening to adults and children alike. Children feel helpless. Their daily routines have been turned upside down. They are no longer able to see their friends, teachers, and extended family members.
Children may not have the words to express their fears and anxieties about what is going on around them. As a parent, you may see behavior changes such as them being clingy, crankiness, and poor sleep. Your child may complain of headaches and stomach aches. You may see forgetfulness, difficulties with schoolwork, or a loss of interest in their favorite activities, toys, or hobbies.
Outlined below are a few ideas of ways that you can do to help your child deal with this stressful time.
- Help your child feel like they have some control over this situation by teaching them ways to stay healthy such as hand washing, social distancing, coughing into their elbow, and not touching their face.
- Encourage routines. Daily schedules help children cope. Include time for schoolwork, exercise, creative time, family time, chores, and free time.
- Exercise and outdoor time are crucial. Go for walks, ride bikes, play outdoor games. Play the games of your childhood such as Simon Says, Mother May I, and Red Light, Green Light. Do yoga or Tai Kwan Do outside. Shoot hoops play badminton. Keep them moving.
- Encourage your kids to talk about their feelings about what is going on. Encourage them to share their concerns and ask questions. Validate their feelings, provide reassurance, and answer their questions simply but honestly. Suggest they keep a journal, draw pictures, or help them keep a family blog about life during Covid-19 – good, bad, and funny. This is something they will appreciate having in the future.
- Help them connect with friends and family. Use FaceTime, Zoom, Skype or similar platforms to have virtual play dates. Have them play games with their friends such as Sorry, or Pictionary, or Head Bandz. Perhaps they could do a craft project “together” or have a virtual dance class. Connecting to their friends will help them feel less isolated.
- Assure your child is getting adequate sleep. Plan calming activities prior to bed. Use relaxation techniques such as Progressive Muscle Relaxation (see Relaxation Techniques) or Guided Imagery (see Relaxation Techniques). Make a worry box to help your child get their worries out of their heads before sleep (see Relaxation Techniques).
- Limit their exposure to news about Coronavirus. Constant exposure to news leads to increased anxiety. Included in this may be limiting exposure to social media as well.
Remember you are a role model for your child. How you handle stress sets an example for how they react. So, take care of yourself and well as your family.
If you feel your child is experiencing increased anxiety or depression, know that we are here to help and support you anytime! Never hesitate to call a member of our clinical team or schedule an appointment if you are needing help!
Additional resources:
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Healthy Children
- Ohio Crisis Text Line – text“4HOPE” to 741741 to connect with a trained counselor.
- Relaxation Techniques
Sincerely,
Meri Schrader, MD
