How Children and Teens are coping during the COVID Pandemic
Children and Teens are grieving. They are grieving the loss of normalcy. They are grieving being without their friends/peers, their sports, their dance classes, their teachers, their graduations, and some are grieving the death of family members. They are faced with uncertainty and increased stress due to home schooling, parents losing jobs, financial issues, and social isolation. They may be processing the disruptions in their lives right now in ways the adults around them do not expect: acting out, regressing, retreating, or even seeming surprisingly content. Parents need to know that all of this is normal and there are some things parents can do to help kids work through stress without it becoming toxic to their emotional and physical well-being.
Mental Health Checkup & Toolkit for Children and Teens
Check out these TIPS from Dr. Nadine Burke-Harris, a Pediatrician and Surgeon General of the State of California who has helped research the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACES) on a person’s overall health:
- Watch them closely. If you child is acting out or regressing, consider that the behavior might be due to the stress and trauma they are experiencing.
- Understand the effects of adversity on children. COVID-19 presents unique challenges to kids who have experienced a significant number of adverse events already.
- Avoid making assumptions. Adults must recognize that for some kids who have experienced bullying and/or social challenges, the newfound solitude brought on by COVID-19 feels like a gift. Some kids are happy to have the extra time with their parents. Maintain open communication so your children can tell you how they feel about the situation.
- Find positive and healthy stress busters that work for your family. Positive relationships, structured routine, adequate sleep, exercise, and healthy nutrition can all help decrease kids’ distress. Talking with them about the pandemic can help kids avoid the harmful effects of stress.
- Teach your child ways to deal with the stress and trauma, including distraction, relaxation, action, and positive thinking tools.
- Keep your child connected with friends and families through video chat, phone calls, and letter writing.
- Written by Allison Owen, RPT, LMFT (EnSpire Counseling & Wellness, LLC)
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/07/well/family/coronavirus-children-stress-parents.html