COVID-19 has brought with it a variety of stressors. Our children are under pressure, their world was disrupted by COVID-19 with little time to adjust. Before we look at some of these stressors that are affecting our children let me emphasise that stress is neither good nor bad. It is our reaction to the stressor that makes it good or bad. One person may become overwhelmed by a stressor while another person embraces the challenge of the same stressor and grows.
COVID-19 Related Stressors Affecting Our Children
Our children now have to adapt to:
- Being home 24/7
- Remote learning
- Isolation from friends and relatives
- Overwhelming COVID-19 information
- Uncertainties associated with COVID-19
- Will they or their family members get the virus? Will they die?
- When will school reopen?
- When will mask wearing end?
Signs of Distress in Children
Take children seriously when they tell you they are worried. You may notice these signs of distress:
- Withdrawn
- Clingy
- Anxious
- Angry
- Overly talkative
- Sadness
- Bedwetting
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Ignoring school work
- Sleeplessness
- A don’t care attitude
- Agitated
How Can You Help Them?
- Stay calm and remain focused
Breathe deeply and teach them to do the same when they feel stressed. Children will pick up your feelings, so model how you want them to behave.
- Pray
You and your child should talk to God about how you both feel and how He can help.
- Have a “Family Council”
Sit as a family (adults and children) and talk about the virus, your fears, and concerns. Ensure you break down information to the level of the children. Listen carefully and let their questions guide your response. With suggestions from everyone, together decide what should be done to manage your family’s COVID-19 response.
- Make a schedule to give them a level of stability
Include:
- Schoolwork
- Play time (play with them)
- Meal time
- Alone time
- Let them start a hobby
This will develop their creativity and will take their minds off COVID-19.
- Give each child a personal space that they can make their own.
- Encourage them to connect with friends and relatives
They can use:
- Videoconferencing (Zoom, Skype)
- Text messages
- Telephone calls
- Limit their exposure to COVID-19 information
Monitor their television watching and social media. Ensure they are getting accurate information for a few minutes each day.
- Teach them to focus on the things they can control and to leave the rest to Jesus
They cannot control the virus but they can control their response to it. Some things they can do are:
- Wash hands regularly
- Wear a mask in public
- Stay home
- Stay six feet away from others
- Tell you if they feel sick or anxious
- Do some outdoor activities together:
- Gardening
- Exercise
- Play
- Do a project together to help others
It will take your minds off your worries and you will both feel good helping someone.
Whatever you do focus on the positives and give them lots of love.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.2.1″][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.2.1″ type=”4_4″][et_pb_team_member image_url=”https://crystaldaye.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Veronica-Sutherland.jpg” _builder_version=”4.2.1″ hover_enabled=”0″]Veronica V. Sutherland is an author, teacher, speaker, minister, coach who ministers to families by helping mothers to build strong purposeful families enjoying good health, strong faith in God, rich relationships, and good communication. This she does through writing books, online courses, speaking, coaching, and blogging. If you want to be more purposeful in how you raise your children, download a copy of her e-book “Parenting God’s Way” at https://bit.ly/35KWxgi
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Great advice. Thanks. Vilma