As parents, we’re dealing with a lot in the wake of Coronavirus. We’re helping our kids with schoolwork. We’re being tasked with serving more meals throughout the day. We’re doing so much more than we’ve ever had to do before. Because of all the newfound woes of parenting through the pandemic, it’s easy for us to forget that our children are adjusting too.
Our kids miss their friends, are mourning the loss of summer camps, and fearing that summer vacations aren’t going to happen. While we’re managing our own feelings, here are some ways to help our kids as they struggle emotionally and mentally with all of these changes:
1. First, get your own anxiety in check
You know that when you’re on a plane they always tell you to put your own oxygen mask on first. This is because if you are in trouble, it’s that much harder to help anyone else. Whether you need to meditate more, take turns with your partner watching the kids, or meet with a therapist virtually – do whatever you need to in order to put on your own oxygen mask first so that you can fully be there for your children.
2. Communicate with your children about everything
Ask them how they are feeling. Ask them what they know about the virus. Talk openly and honestly about the current state of things. Sometimes the most stressful thing is not understanding what’s happening around them. In these cases, knowledge is power.
3. Let them know it’s okay to feel whatever they feel
Whether they are sad, anxious, scared, lonely, etc… Reassure them that it’s normal to not feel good right now. Talk to them about what would make them feel better, and see if there is any way to help them feel some semblance of happiness and comfort.
4. Distract them
Go for a walk, ride a bike, swim in a pool if you have one – sometimes just keeping our minds off of the chaos around us can be a good thing. Do crafts together, have them help cook dinner, or even watch Netflix together. The simplest of activities can help us forget about the outside world, and feel better for a while.
Additional resources you may want to consider:
— Supporting Children and Families during the COVID-19 Pandemic
— 7 Ways to Support Kids and Teens Through the Coronavirus Pandemic
— Resources for Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-being during the COVID-19 Pandemic
— The National Child Traumatic Stress Network Covid-19 Resources
— Parenting in a Pandemic: Tips to Keep the Calm at Home
— Best ways to help kids through the pandemic
— Helping kids cope with the COVID-19 pandemic
— WHO PDF Helping children cope with stress during the 2019-nCoV outbreak