With the global outbreak of COVID-19, there are so many questions and concerns on our minds… What happens if the grocery stores close? Am I safe at work? Did that person just cough? Should I start stacking toilet paper in the garage? Amid the frenzy of wonderings, we hope to address one here: How do I best support my children emotionally during this time? In a state of national emergency, our youngest citizens may be left feeling confused, frightened, or isolated. Now more than ever, we must act with thoughtfulness and care around our children. Here are some recommended ways to emotionally support children through this time. 

Remain Calm

Children look to the adults in their lives for guidance. Many of us are experiencing our own feelings of fear, anxiety, sadness, or stress (just to name a few). While we do not want to hide these feelings from children, we should model how to deal with these feelings in an intentional way. A sense of calm can help strengthen children’s sense of safety during the pandemic. 

Keep or Develop Routines

The world around us is changing so quickly. Schools may be closed, adults may be working from home, and travel plans may be canceled. Amid the many changes, try to maintain some kind of routine for children (and for yourself as well). Children depend on routine and predictability in their school days, and if your child is now at home all day they will greatly benefit from some kind of structure to take its place. This will look very different depending on your household and your situation. Some ways to avoid the crumbling of children’s daily structure are to keep a normal sleep schedule, stick to your school’s recommended remote learning plan if possible, and create daily schedules to review in the morning with your children. Sharing your expectations for the day will help foster a sense of structure and safety. 

Listen and Validate

Just as we have many questions going through our minds, children do as well. Make time to listen to their concerns and wonderings, acknowledging that there is no wrong way to feel and no unwanted topics. Children can express their feelings in so many ways -- speaking, writing, drawing, or in their behaviors -- and during this crucial time we must be listening and ready to validate. 

Take Action Together

Children can play a role in keeping their household and loved ones safe. Review the important things that healthcare professionals are encouraging, including thoroughly washing hands, covering coughs, and sanitizing surfaces. You can make this fun by practicing washing hands to a favorite song; you can give your child agency by using their help in cleaning household surfaces. Children want to know that action is being taken and that they can do their part as well. 

Model Respect for Others

Similar to how we model calmness, we also model how we treat others during this time. Emphasize the importance of respect towards others, whether that be in how we treat others at the grocery store or how we talk about citizens of other countries around the world. This also means explaining to children how their actions during this time can affect others’ safety and health, not just their own. Taking necessary precautions is not only important for their own safety, but respectful to others. Model for children how to maintain social distance and safety, while still being kind and respectful towards others. 

Resources 

For many of us, we are entering uncharted waters. Better Kids is here to support you and your children as we navigate these quickly changing times. Check out the resources below for more information and ideas. 

1. A few comic strips you can read with your children: 

• “Kids, Vaayu & Corona: Who will win the fight?” Created by 2 doctors, and suitable for younger kids

• “Just for kids: a comic exploring the new coronavirus” From NPR, and suitable for kids, perhaps 2nd grade and older

2. Handwashing resources for kids: 

• “This is the way we wash our hands, wash our hands, wash our hands…” From the Washington Post