Dancing in the Rain – A Parents’ Guide to Help Your Kids Manage Stress During COVID-19

Dancing in the Rain – A Parents’ Guide to Help Your Kids Manage Stress During COVID-19

When are we going back to school?

Why can’t we go?

What’s that? Cora…What did you call it?

What’s gonna happen, again?

Wait WHAT?

Oh, I can only imagine the conversations going on in your household. Our precious children are so used to their school routine, seeing teachers and friends, and playing during recess. Now all of a sudden, a LOT has change! They are likely wondering when will this end or why can’t they have playdates with their friends. I have to admit, it’s a lot to take in. On top of this, we have to be conscious of how we are handling stress. They are watching us. It’s true that our children base many of their reaction to event off of the way we respond to similar stressors. How are we managing our stress? I have written another article that you might find helpful, How to Keep Your Joy in Times of Distress. 

Keeping in mind that all kids may not respond to stress in the same way, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) published a list of changes to watch for in our children:

Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)	Excessive crying or irritation in younger children
Excessive worry or sadness	Unexplained headaches or body pain
Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits	Difficulty with attention and concentration
Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens	Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past
*Avoiding following homeschool expectations	*Modified to reflect status since school closures.

There are many things you can do to support your child (from CDC)

• Take time to talk with your child about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child can understand.
• Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
• 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.

I would add LIMITING YOUR CHILD’S TIME ON ELECTRONIC DEVICES. Some kids would rather escape from this reality by playing more online games.  As a result, they risk becoming a “GLOW KID,” addicted to the screen. Due to school closure, we are forced to use this technology for now. Just be sure to monitor and LIMIT excessive exposure. 

I hope you find these strategies helpful.