Helpful Hints for Parents

If you’re wondering how to maintain a safe, peaceful home front while navigating COVID-19’s uncharted waters you are not alone. Yes, these are uncertain times and as parents we strive to create a safe haven for our kids—from the toddlers to teens and young adults.

Talk with your kids about COVID-19 First off, kids—of all ages—do better when they’re not in the dark. In fact, not talking about the coronavirus may actually make them worry more. Your goal is to help your children feel informed and get fact-based information that is likely more reassuring than whatever they’re gleaning from their friends or on the news.

Other helpful information: • Stick to routine. This is particularly important when your child’s school or daycare has shut down. Make sure you are taking care of the basics just as you would during a spring break or summer vacation. Structured days with regular mealtimes and bedtimes are an essential part of keeping kids happy and healthy.

• Keep the dialogue going. Invite your child to tell you anything they may have heard about the coronavirus, and how they feel. Give them ample opportunity to ask questions. Let them know the lines of communication are open and you will continue to keep them updated as you learn more. • Focus on staying safe. An important way to reassure kids is to emphasize the safety precautions you are taking within the household (washing hands, etc.). • Set aside time to spend with each child. If you have several children in your home, make it a point to spend some individual time with each one as you can • No 24/7 TV. Make a point to switch off the TV and phone.

Designate a “virus-free” time. As is the case with people of all ages, an overload of information can have a negative impact on one’s well-being.

Tips for easing the way for teens: As for older children, teenagers are certainly more self-sufficient than younger children; yet, having them at home can present another set of challenges. While younger children may be delighted to have constant parental attention, for adolescents not so much. • Emphasize social distancing. Despite the fact teenagers tend to feel invincible, it’s important for them to understand that they could be asymptomatic carriers and they could infect others, including their grandparents. • Understand their frustration over not seeing friends. Listen to them and validate their feelings. Then be direct about how you can work together to make this situation bearable for everyone in the family.

• Support remote schooling. You can help teenagers— and college students who’ve been sent home—create a realistic schedule for getting work done in defined periods; building in breaks and times for socializing; exercising and entertainment. The key principle: Do a session of work first, then reward yourself with something relaxing. • Encourage healthy habits. Teenagers and young adults will do better during this stressful time if they get adequate sleep, eat healthy meals and exercise regularly.

If you’re looking for more information and online resources to help support parents, children and teens, please visit childmind.org.

Article source: The Child Mind Institute and the World Health Organization.

Other Ways to Help

Children react to stress differently, based on age, development and personality. Amid the current public health crisis, experts encourage parents to approach the situation with calm confidence, answer questions and share facts in a way your child or teenager can understand.

Other ways to help include:

• Reassuring your child or teen that they are safe— Let them know it is okay to feel upset about the changes in their daily lives.

• Limiting your family's exposure to news coverage and social media— Kids get a lot of information from television, social media or general conversations; make sure they don't misinterpret information which can make them more fearful.

• Keeping up with regular routines— Since schools and extra-curricular activities have closed, maintain a schedule for learning, relaxing and fun activities.

• Providing healthy distractions—Parents can ook online to find museums, zoos, arts and cultural organizations that are offering virtual tours and learning sessions for the family.

• Being a role model— Children often take cues from their parents on handling difficult situations. Remember, how you react may be reflected in how they react.

• Maintaining healthy habits— Take a walk with your kids, encourage some time outdoors (at a safe distance from others), maintain good sleep habits and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members via voice or video calls.