Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, world leaders and health officials have recommended that the general public engage in social distancing to help minimize the spread. As these efforts were implemented, many rapid and continuous changes occurred as additional information was acquired. By dealing with their own personal stressors, parents are also trying to help their own children cope. Here are some tips, behavior strategies, and resources for parents.
1. Minimize your child’s exposure to excessive media coverage of COVID-19. Especially be sure to filter out fear and conspiracy theory websites and videos to minimize your potential anxiety.
2. Keep your explanations simple and age appropriate. For very young children, just tell them that they wear masks and that washing their hands keeps germs away. If your child expresses fears of death, explain that some people get sick and others get better with the help of doctors and medicine.
3. Check in with your children daily to see how they cope. Ask them how they are doing and if they need to talk. Reassure them that they can talk to you or even a trusted family member if they don’t feel comfortable talking to you.
4. If you and your family are spiritual or religious, try to continue participating in activities that will help provide you with support and comfort. Consider setting aside time for prayer, reflection, or attending online services regularly.
5. NORMALIZE! Let your child know that his feelings are valid. Let him know that it is okay to feel anxious, scared, or stressed, as this is a very challenging time for everyone in the world. Feel free to contact a mental health provider if you have concerns about your child’s emotional functioning or ability to cope with stressors.
MEANS:
National Suicide Prevention Line: 800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis text line: Text TALK to 741741
NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (1-800-950-6264)
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224
211 Help Center resource database visit http://www.helplinecenter.org/211database
Military OneSource Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, then press 1; In English call: 800-342-9647; TTY / TDD: Dial 711 and provide the toll free number 800-342-9647
Paenting2Go App – Helps Veterans and Service Members reconnect with their children and provides convenient tools to strengthen parenting skills.
National Parent Helpline: 1-855-4A Parent (1-855-427-2736)
Felecia D. Sheffield, PhD, Copyright © 2020, All rights reserved in all media.