You may feel stressed and anxious about COVID-19 — and so may your kids.

Kids have been through a lot since the COVID-19 pandemic began: school closures, loss of daily routine, massive changes to how they socialize, unrelenting uncertainty about what comes next. These rapid changes in situations can lead to anxiety, fear, loneliness, and depression. Also, information overload, rumors, and misinformation about the pandemic can make you - as a parent - feel out of control and make it unclear what to do. When you feel this way, your kids may feel it too — as they often sense the way you're feeling.

There are many ways parents and caregivers can help children cope with the pandemic and everything that came with it. One of the simplest is just to ask. But the conversation about what is going on can be challenging, particularly if they’re new for your family or if your child isn’t particularly talkative.

How to start a conversation with your kids about COVID-19?

Talking to your kids about the pandemic can be challenging, but a good way to start is learning about COVID-19 from reputable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Get the facts about recommendations, and how to protect your family from infection. Then you'll be prepared to have the conversation with your kids and be able to support them.

If possible, choose a convenient time when your kids are likely to want to talk, such as at dinner. Inquire into what they already know, and what questions and concerns they have - their questions can guide your discussion. Listen to them and answer their questions in a way that they can understand.

Frequently talk with your kids to see how they're coping and encourage them to express their feelings.

What can I do to promote well-being and help my kids cope?

Here are some steps you can take to help your kids:

1. Teach and reinforce everyday preventive actions

Hand washing. Encourage your child to wash their hands with soap and water for about 20 seconds If soap and water are not available, ensure you provide them with hand sanitizer. Teach your child how to apply the hand sanitizer and if under 6 years of age, supervise them.

Wear a mask. Teach and encourage your child (if 2 years of age or older) to ear mask when in public and when around people who don’t live in your household. Ensure your child wears their masks correctly and safely. But, if your child finds it wearing a mask challenging, you can consider alternatives.

Practice social distancing. Make sure your child and everyone else in your household avoids close contact with people outside the home - even if they don’t appear sick – keeping about 6 feet apart from each other. And instead of giving high-fives or hugs to people who are not part of your household, they can give smiles and wave hello. 

Stay home more. As school and social events are canceled, and the entire family is staying home more, explain the reason for your kids and also how this measure can help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Let them know that when the risks of COVID-19 become much lower or go away, they can look forward to returning to their normal routine.

2. Help your kid stay active

Regular physical activity can improve a child’s physical and mental health.

• Ensure your child stays active every day while taking daily preventive measures..

• Find ways to incorporate physical activities into your child’s life.

• You should set a positive example by leading an active lifestyle yourself and making physical activity a part of your family’s daily routine.

3. Help your kid stay socially connected

You can achieve this by reaching out to friends and family via phone or video chat. You can encourage them and provide the means to reach out to their friends via phone calls, video chats, writing cards, or letters to those friends and relatives who they may not be able to visit.

4. Help your kid cope with stress

The COVID-19 pandemic can be stressful for both adults and children. The CDC has developed several tools to assist parents to care for their child’s mental health and well-being. The COVID-19 Parental Resource Kit by CDC offers tools to help parents understand their child’s social, emotional, and mental health challenges according to their age group and promote their well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Essentials for Parenting Toddlers and preschoolers page provides guidance on how to address common parenting challenges, like tantrums and whining, and information on things you can do to build a positive, healthy relationship with your young children.

In all, don't forget the ways to stay healthy. Healthy habits include eating a well-balanced diet, getting regular physical activity, and getting a good night's sleep.

Resources

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/children.html

Lead image from https://www.rochesterregional.org/news/2020/08/back-to-school-covid19-anxiety