COVID-19 HELPING CHILDREN DEAL EMOTIONALLY
COVID-19: HELPING CHILDREN DEAL EMOTIONALLY
It has been a difficult year, dealing with COVID-19. It has been especially difficult for our children. They do not fully understand what is happening in the world around them. They may worry that they will get sick, someone in their family, or their friends will get sick. As their parents they look up to you to make sense of what they are seeing and hearing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created recommendations to help parents have conversations with their children about COVID-19 and ways they can avoid getting and spreading the disease. The recommendations suggest that parents need to be honest, accurate and explain in a way to minimize anxiety or fear.
The following are the CDC tips for talking to children:
• Remain calm. Remember that children will react to both what you say and how you say it. They will pick up cues from the conversations you have with them and with others.
• Reassure children that they are safe. Let them know it is okay if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
• Make yourself available to listen and to talk. Let children know they can come to you when they have questions.
• Avoid language that might blame others.
• Pay attention to what children see or hear on television, radio, or online. Consider reducing the amount of screen time focused on COVID-19. Too much information on one topic can lead to anxiety.
• Provide information that is truthful and appropriate for the age and developmental level of the child. Talk to children about how some stories on COVID-19 on the Internet and social media may be based on rumors and inaccurate information. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
• Teach children everyday actions to reduce the spread of germs. Remind children to wash their hands frequently and stay away from people who are coughing or sneezing or sick. Also, remind them to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow, then throw the tissue into the trash.
• If school is open, discuss any new actions that may be taken at school to help them and the teachers.
The CDC gives the following facts about COVID-19 to discuss with children
Try to keep information simple and remind them that health and school officials are working hard to keep everyone safe and healthy. Here are simple answers to children’s questions:
What is COVID-19?
• COVID-19 is the short name for “coronavirus disease 2019.” It is a new virus. Scientists and doctors are still learning about it.
• Recently, this virus has made a lot of people sick. Scientists and doctors are trying to learn more so they can help people who get sick.
• Doctors and health experts are working hard to help people stay healthy.
What can I do so that I don’t get COVID-19?
Teach the children to practice healthy habits at home, school, and play to help protect against the spread of COVID-19.
What happens if you get sick with COVID-19?
• COVID-19 can look different in different people. For many people, being sick with COVID-19 would be a little bit like having the flu. People can get a fever, cough, or have a hard time taking deep breaths. Most people who have gotten COVID-19 have not gotten very sick. Only a small group of people who get it have had more serious problems.
• If you do get sick, it doesn’t mean you have COVID-19. People can get sick from all kinds of germs. What’s important to remember is that if you do get sick, the adults at home will help get you any help that you need.
Children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children.
Watch for behavior changes in your child.
Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes to watch for include:
• Excessive crying or irritation in younger children.
• Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting).
• Excessive worry or sadness
.
• Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits.
• Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens.
• Poor school performance or avoiding school.
• Difficulties with attention and concentration.
• Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past.
• Unexplained headaches or body pain.
• Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.
Ways to support your child
• Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child can understand.
• Reassure your child that they are safe. Let them know it is okay if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn from you how to cope with stress.
• Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
• Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
• Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.
• Spending time with your child in meaningful activities, reading together, exercising, playing board games.