Every family is adapting to the changes in daily life caused by the pandemic. Public places or gatherings such as schools and parks are closed. Parents are faced with helping their families cope with the new normal.
Remember that children look up to adults for guidance and see how they react to some stressful events. Recognizing the level of concern might result in taking the needed actions that lessen the risk of illness. Teaching children positive safety measures can help lessen anxiety. The below tips can help you what to do;
Stay Calm And Offer Comfort
1. Be mindful of how you talk about COVID-19
Your discussion can increase or lessen the fear of your child. Remind your child that your family is healthy and to keep loved ones safe and well. Carefully listen or have written out their feelings and respond with truth.
2. Be a role model
Children learn from your example. They will react to and follow your reactions
3. Establish deep breathing
This is a valuable tool for calming the nervous system. Do breathing exercises with your children.
4. The positive
Have fun about being with your family for longer periods. Organize belongings, sing, laugh, and go outside, if possible, to connect with nature and get needed exercise. Permit older children to be in touch with their friends even online via video calls.
5. Establish a daily routine
Keeping a routine gives a sense of predictability, control, and well-being. It also helps children and other family members respect the need of others for quiet time and when they could connect with friends even online via video calls.
Monitor TV and Social Media
1. Monitoring TV, internet, and social media viewing
Watching repeated updates on COVID-19 might increase anxiety and fear. Information that is intended for adults may also cause confusion or anxiety in young children.
2. Dismiss rumors and inaccurate information
Tell your child that lots of stories about COVID-19 on the internet may include inaccurate information or rumors. Talk to your child about truthful disease data.
3. Offer choices
Offer your child some games or engage them in other exciting activities instead.
Be Accurate and Honest
1. Correct misinformation
Children frequently envision circumstances not as good as reality. Therefore, presenting developmentally suitable facts can lessen fears.
2. Clarify simple safety protocols
Let your child know that the disease spreads by being in close contact with other individuals. Therefore, they need to practice social distancing by giving 2 meters of space from other people.
3. Stay up-to-date on the facts
Get information from a trusted source.
Take Time To Talk
Let the questions of your children guide you. Answer their questions honestly but don’t give them excessive facts or details. Usually, children do not talk about their worries because they don’t want to worry about loved ones or they are confused. Younger children ask questions, listen, and play. Children always feel authorized if they could control some aspects of their life.