Kids and COVID-19

Kids and COVID-19

by Christy Tittsworth, NP

COVID-19 is a NOVEL coronavirus, which means there is no history to predict how it will spread or how people will respond to the virus.  In a time in which we can “Google” anything we don’t know, it is uncomfortable for most of us to know so little about COVID-19.  Children pick up on this underlying discomfort.  Be mindful how you talk about COVID-19 with your children.

*  Remain calm and reassuring, but provide honest information
*  Limit the amount of screen and talk time focused on COVID-19
*  Focus on what we can do including handwashing and social distancing

“New Normal”
The social distancing required to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has disrupted the normalcy of our lives.  Schedules and routines have been thrown out the window.  Working from home, homeschooling, telehealth, and online meet-ups are the new normal.  Just like you, your child now doesn’t know what to expect day-to-day.  This can lead to increased anxiety and behavioral issues.  Creating a schedule can help your child feel safe and secure during this time, improving behavior and lowering stress for both of you.

Establishing a “new normal” with a daily routine will help your child know what to expect during this uncertain time.  To make a daily schedule, dedicate alternating blocks of time to schoolwork, meals, chores, unstructured time/play, and movement.  The schedule can be flexible and adapted to meet the individual needs of your family.  Here are some tips for making and adhering to a schedule:

*  Use your child’s daily schedule at school as a guide for consistency
*  Allow older children and teens to help or make their own schedule
*  Put the schedule in writing and make it visible
*  Use timers as reminders as needed to adhere to your schedule
*  Give earlier warnings when a block is ending if your child struggles with transitions
*  Use positive reinforcement for completion of schoolwork and chore blocks by following with a preferred activity for your child
*  Plan down time or unstructured time…this allows a time for your child to choose to use a screen, but limits the amount of time on the screen
*  Be gentle with yourself and your child if the schedule isn’t always followed perfectly

Be sure to including maintaining regular sleep schedules, eating healthy meals, and daily physical activity as part of your child’s “new normal.”  This not only improves anxiety and behavior, but also supports a healthy immune system.

For more information about Talking to Children about COVID-19 click this link for a flyer put together by the National Association of School Psychologists and National Association of School Nurses