Fear, uncertainty, and being holed up reception to slow the spread of COVID-19 can make it tough for families to stay a way of calm. But it is vital to assist children feel safe, keep healthy routines, manage their behavior and build resilience.
Here are some tips from the American Academy (AAP) to assist your family through the outbreak.
Address children’s fears
Children believe their parents for safety, both physical and emotional. Reassure your children that you simply are there for them which your family will get through this together.
Answer questions on the pandemic simply & honestly.
Spend time discussing with your children any frightening news they hear. It’s okay to say people are becoming sick, but say following rules like hand washing and staying home will help your family stay healthy.
Recognize your child’s feelings.
Calmly say, for instance , “I can see that you simply are upset because you cannot have your friends over.” Guiding questions can help older children and teenagers run through issues. (“I realize it is disappointing to not be ready to hang together with your friends immediately . How does one think you’ll stay in-tuned with them?”)
Keep in touch with loved ones.
Children can also worry a few grandparents who live alone or a relative or friend with an increased risk of getting COVID-19. Video chats can help ease their anxiety.
Model the way to manage feelings.
Talk through how you’re managing your own feelings.
Tell your child before you allow the house for work or essential errands.
During a calm and reassuring voice, tell them where you’re going, how long you’ll be gone, once you will return, which you’re taking steps to remain safe.
Look forward.
Tell them that scientists are working hard to work out the way to help people that fall ill , which things will recover .
Offer extra hugs and say “I love you” more often.
Use positive discipline
Everyone is more anxious and worried during the pandemic. Younger children might not have the words to explain their feelings. They’re more likely to act out their stress, anxiety or fear through their behavior (which can, in turn, upset parents, particularly if they’re already stressed). Older children and teenagers could also be extra irritable as they miss out on time with friends and special events being cancelled.
Some ways you’ll help your children manage their emotions and behavior:
Redirect bad behavior. Sometimes children misbehave because they’re bored or do not know any better. Find something else for them to try to do .
Creative play. Suggest your children draw pictures of the way your family is staying safe. Create an art, a drawing or a collage to hang on the wall to remind everyone. Or, build an inside fort or castle to stay the germs cornered , bringing in favorite stuffed animals or toys.
Direct your attention. Attention–to reinforce good behaviors and discourage others–is a strong tool. Commend good behavior, praising success and good tries. Explaining clear expectations, particularly with older children, can help with this.
Use rewards & privileges to strengthen good behaviors (completing school assignments, chores, getting along side siblings, etc.) that wouldn’t normally tend during less stressful times.
Know when to not respond. As long as your child isn’t doing something dangerous and gets attention permanently behavior, ignoring bad behavior are often an efficient way of stopping it.
Use time-outs. This discipline tool works best by warning children they’re going to get a time-out if they do not stop. Use gentle reminders for mistakes done and do not involve too much emotion into it as possible. Then, remove them from things for a pre-set length of your time (1 minute per annum aged may be a good guide).
As parents you need to care for yourself physically: eat healthy, exercise and obtain enough sleep. Find ways to decompress and take breaks. If quite one parent is home, alternate watching the youngsters if possible.This will deflate the panic and therefore the impulse to attack physically or verbally at children.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
