Our daily routines have changed, we don't know how we will live from Monday or tomorrow, and the media that report minute by minute on the number of infected coronaviruses with the virus that is increasing day by day, talk about a new vaccine or about the interruption of classes. This is talked about in all media, discussed in the family, and at school, children are given recommendations on protection measures so that they do not become infected…
In general, parents find it harder to cope with this situation with the coronavirus than children, and the anxiety that can occur in children is often transmitted from the parents. Children learn from us by both watching and listening. It all depends on the behavior of the environment and the parents.
We should not be dramatized. We must talk with children about every fear, every question they ask. Children should be talked to like adults, on topics that interest them. The child will have fear when he sees that the parents also have fear. In small children, the parent does not have to say anything to the child to upset him, because, according to our physiognomy, the child recognizes the need to be scared.
In this emergency situation, we must learn to talk to the children and get used to being alone with ourselves and our families. With small children who do not understand speech, you can also "talk", you can play or listen to music. We should not intimidate children with the coronavirus, but teach them how to react in such situations. Today, stress and depression have become the leading diagnoses in psychiatry, but stress is not treated by a psychiatrist and drugs, but by people, family, and friends.
So, don`t expect doctors and drugs to solve the problem, WE must do it ourselves. We must help kids to overcome this bad period. These are my tips on how to help the children:
Don't read a lot of articles and tips about coronavirus, vaccines, the number of patients… Make a selection and limit the time you will spend reading topics related to coronavirus. It is easy to cross the line between the need to be informed and the situation when we "drown" in all that news. If this information bothers you, then skip it and read something else.
Do some interesting activities for yourself and your family. Use this time to learn something new. Make cookies, play with puzzles, paint, listen to music with kids. Talk to the children and pay them a little more attention than you normally do.
It's hard for everyone to accept that our old routines are no longer possible due to coronavirus precautions, but it's important to be flexible and start a new routine that can help you feel less anxious and comfortable. Establish routines such as exercising, preparing interesting meals, or going to bed earlier, because all this is very important for regulating our mood and our worries.
If the children are at home and follow the classes at a distance, they need help to create the structure of the day. Children easily fall into boredom or anxiety if there is no structure of the day. In addition to compulsory learning, it is necessary for children to have contact with friends. If you have agreed to reduce direct social contacts then allow children to communicate with friends through various channels on the internet. However, be careful that children do not spend too much time with the phone or computer, as this will produce some other consequences.
Children learn by model and that is why you try to be a good example to your children. It is important that you are well. In general, children adopt a model of parental behavior, not only in childhood but throughout life.
Until my new article, stay safe and healthy!
Parents can help the child develop skills and self-confidence to overcome fear so that he does not turn into a phobia.