Supporting Children with Worry During COVID-19

11 Jun 2020

We have now entered our third month of school and day care closure and social distancing due to COVID-19. Perhaps during this time you have wondered whether your child is struggling with worry. There is no doubt that at least initially your child had some curiosity and concern about the virus, friends’ and family members’ well-being and what would happen with the rest of the school year. Here are some tips on supporting children with worry during COVID-19

It is very important to first consider how you have been managing your own mental health.

You will be in a better place to support your child if you are able to care for yourself and remain relatively calm. Seeking support from a friend or family member is a great place to start as well as engaging in some sort of self-care. Limiting your news intake is also something to consider especially when little ears may be listening.

Making time to connect with your child and talk is a good way to open dialogue and be curious about their feelings and thoughts.

This is an opportunity to show that you care and are there for them while explaining things in kid appropriate ways. This may also be a good time to challenge any anxious thoughts that they might be having and remind them of the facts.

Keeping some routine in your day to day lives will also be beneficial for everyone.

Wake up and bedtimes, meals, school work and activities should be similar each day. Don’t forget to get some fresh air and exercise in too. 

Integrating some time for calm and relaxation would also be an excellent way to encourage positive ways of coping.

You can teach your child about deep belly breathing or even try out a guided visualization, both of which can be easily found on YouTube.

If you continue to have questions about your child and how they are coping or even yourself, please book a free 15 minute consultation to discuss this further.