Supporting Kids During the Coronavirus Crisis

Jun 26, 2020

If you want your kids to get active and have something to do during this time, please read the article below.

Are you worried about how to keep your children entertained, and healthy both mentally and physically? Coronavirus has changed the ‘normal’ that we were all living in. Now, parents are afraid and confused about how to nurture and protect their children from the problems of a pandemic. All this while also learning how to work virtually, balancing the house, and keeping control of our frustrations and problems as well.

Tips And Tricks To Manage Fears, Stress And More

Child Mind’s Institute has a few tips and tricks that you can employ to keep the children as well as yourself at peace. Follow them and you will find your days running smoother than ever before.

Create a routine, but make sure it’s creative and not monotonous
Sticking to a schedule is a key point to adequately surviving a pandemic
Make sure the routine isn’t a strict regime but something that provides structure yet still has flexibility for something new or relaxing
Set a timer which tells the kids when a new activity begins and ends as regular reminders stave off tantrums and uncertainty
Make sure to include academics as well as fun times in the schedule
Introduce family game time, something like a cookoff, or a special baking adventure that bonds you and your kids

Don’t Forget To Exercise! Make Some New Activities To Do!

Staying home often means an unfortunate lack in exercise and fresh air but that is unfortunately not conducive to a healthy lifestyle. It is vitally important to keep exercising, so entertain and keep your kids busy by creating ‘gym time.’ This could be the daily family time where you and your kids work up some sweat together. It is healthy, it is invigorating and above all, it provides much-needed cardio therapy.

Right now, since a lot of the lockdown restrictions have become a bit relaxed, you could even plan a visit to the playground that includes no contact with other children. But it provides your kids and you with some fresh air and greenery exposure. Take a walk or a bike ride around the beach, lay down some yoga mats, and reach your inner zen.

In regards to more creative activities, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, David Anderson, PhD., says, “I’ve been asking parents to think about their favorite activities at summer camp or home before screens.

They often then generate lists of arts and crafts activities, science projects, imaginary games, musical activities, board games, household projects, etc.” According to Dr. Anderson, these activities and brainstorming ideas has been a trend in the world since the 80's.

Keeping Yourself Calm Is The Key To A Peaceful Household

Anxiety is understandable in the times of a pandemic but it is up to you to manage it properly so that it doesn’t affect your mental health and most importantly it doesn’t affect your kids. Keeping your cool is the best way to keep your family's boat afloat.

Another clinical psychology at the Child Mind Institute, Mark Reinecke, Ph.D., says, “Watch out for catastrophic thinking and keep a sense of perspective, engage in solution-focused thinking and balance this with mindful acceptance.” When the anxiety within you is at its peak make sure that you take a break, go outside, breathe in and let it wash over you, until your breaths come easier. Let the panic pass and make sure that your children aren’t within earshot of it.

Don’t Let The News Get You Down

It’s the job of the news channels and social media to keep you informed about what's going on in the world as you should be. But remember that such information also causes anxiety to increase and that isn’t something you want. So limit the news time, take a social media freeze and take a break from all things virtual.

Also, remember to keep your children in the loop. Don’t hide the truth from them but if your kids are too young, don’t scare them either. Find that perfect balance. Rachel Busman, PsyD says, “Talking to children in a clear, reasonable way about what’s going on is the best way to help them understand.”

Don’t Isolate & Communicate

Isolation is the death of a healthy life. Humans need support and without it, life is dull and grey. So keep up with social media and whatsapp your friends and family, keep in touch and don’t feel so alone, this too of course within reason. Don’t go overboard. Communication with others is also a great way to relieve stress. A little time away with friends (virtually) does wonder for everyone's’ mood, adult, or child.

The Little People Need Checking In Too

Little kids might seem like they’re far removed from the stresses of the pandemic but they are still unsettled by it. They can sense the negative emotions around them and they react accordingly. Make sure that they are okay, help them keep calm.

Your children are the most important facet of your life but to do right by them, you need to first do right by yourself. Don’t be so rigid with the schedules you have created, let loose, have some fun! Dr. Anderson who is also a parents says, “We should forgive ourselves the image of perfection that we normally aspire to as parents.” This is a COVID-19 situation and in the words Dr. Anderson, “We can give ourselves license to relax these boundaries a bit. We can explain to our kids that this is a unique situation and re-institute boundaries once more when life returns to normal.”

Accepting Help Is Not A Weakness But A Strength

This is a tough situation that the world has found itself in, and we as families need to come together. We need to share responsibilities and make sure that no one person is bearing brunt of everything. Even toddlers can do their part in making the Coronavirus pandemic an easier time for everyone.