As news of the Coronavirus floods media outlets throughout the world, it is a difficult time for all of us, especially young people who don’t have the same depth of understanding as adults. As I consider my role as a therapist, I thought it important to pull together a few insights to help you and your children move more easily through this challenging time.
We all seem to be overwhelmed with the news so it is important to make your home feel as safe as possible for young people. Home is the place we often feel most secure and comfortable, and predictability can help everyone feel less anxious. So how do we do this?
Children crave consistency so when you create predictable routines within your households, from waking up and getting dressed, to study and playtime, to bedtime routines, it helps reduce stress and uncertainty. Staying home can be frustrating for children so in addition to learning, make time for things like games, puzzles, coloring, family movies, baking, building indoor forts or pretend campgrounds, putting on plays, and more!
Be responsive, reassuring, and nurturing. Children may worry they will catch the Coronavirus so it can be helpful to reassure your child that children seem to be less susceptible to it. Focus on what you can each do to stay healthy. Things like staying at home, eating healthy meals, getting a good night’s sleep, keeping surfaces clean, and thoroughly washing our hands are primary means of staying healthy.
Be open and honest with your children, keeping them up-to-date with the information that is developmentally appropriate for their age. Most children have heard about the Coronavirus so talking about it vs. avoiding the conversation, can reduce confusion. Manage the information they see and hear and share facts in a reassuring way to help them understand, encouraging them keep the big picture in mind.
Take care of yourself. If you feel anxious, this may not be the time to talk with your children. Pay attention to your own thoughts and emotions and use this information to help guide you’re thinking and communicating. If you notice you are feeling anxious or worried, take some time to care for yourself. Taking breaks, deep breathing, exercising, and connecting with our surroundings are all good ways to ground our selves.
One easy way to relax and connect to our surroundings is the five senses exercise. Find a comfortable space to sit and take a deep breath in through your nose, hold for two seconds, and release the breath through your mouth. Slowly go through the following: find five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. You can do this alone or together with your family to relax.
If you feel you or your children are experiencing a mental health crisis or need additional support, please don’t hesitate to call 911 or reach out to a local mental health provider. Rest assured we are going to emerge from this. In the meantime, please listen to the World Health Organization and take care of yourselves.
Written by Leila J. Erlandson, MA, LMFT
Trovarti Counseling LLC 