We are frequently exposed to COVID-19-related news everywhere. This means our children are bombarded with this news too and might be affected by what they see and hear. Experiencing this phenomenon at such a young age may elicit feelings of confusion and anxiety within them. As a parent, you may need to do more when it comes to managing your child’s anxiety about COVID-19.
Allowing them to receive a stream of continued support from you is essential in guiding them throughout this period of uncertainty. Continue reading to learn more.
Regularly check in on your child
Though each member of the family might be used to just doing their own activities, it’s important for you as a parent to check on how everyone is doing.
It might be the case that your child won’t be able to easily open up to you about the different anxieties, and emotions they are going through. You may even have the misconception that as long as they’re not approaching you, then everything is fine with them. But this isn’t exactly the case all the time. For example, simple gestures such as asking them how they’re doing or spending a few minutes of alone time with them can go a long way.
If you don’t want to confront the issue head-on, it may be useful for you to segue into the talk while doing something that you and your child enjoy doing.
Limit the use of electronic devices
It is a common experience among children that their parents would limit the time they spend on the screen. Apart from health reasons, there’s another good reason behind this, especially considering the situation we’re all living in now.
By advising your children to limit their use of these gadgets, you’re also allowing them to tune out the distressing news that they may encounter on a daily basis. The news may be a constant source for sensitive information that your child may not really be equipped to handle all the time. This is another simple way of mitigating their anxieties.
Teach them coping mechanisms
Your child may eventually begin to feel helpless if they realize that they’re alone in their experience. Fortunately, you can still do something about their anxiety, and this is through empowering them with the proper coping mechanisms.
Join your child in simple activities such as breathing exercises which can really do wonders in calming any anxious feelings your child may have. On the other hand, it’s also important that they be able to confront the emotions they’re feeling. Allow them the freedom to express their emotions, because all your child may ever need is one moment of catharsis to relieve themselves. Your job as a parent is to keep an open mind and listen to their needs.
Have a routine in place
Finally, another great way to keep your child’s anxieties about COVID-19 at bay is by following a routine.
Whether it’s setting a time to wake them up, eat breakfast, or engage in productive tasks, routines help children feel like they have control over some aspects of the situation. These also aid in bringing back some sense of normalcy into their daily life.
Since children also learn better through example, make sure that you’re also joining in them when it comes to routines. Though you may not realize it in the beginning, this also allows them to feel like they’re not alone in dealing with the situation.
Key Takeaway
Managing your child’s anxiety about COVID-19 can be done through simple acts such as regularly checking in on them, joining them in productive activities, or simply reducing the time they spend in getting exposed to distressing information.
As always, the best advice is for you to be with your child every step of the way. You’re the person they look up to for support — fostering an environment of openness and communication is a good place to start in easing their anxieties.
