The constant influx of the latest COVID-19 news can be unsettling and even overwhelming for some. Our nation has been practicing social distancing by staying home in order to limit the spread of the virus, and with schools becoming entirely virtual for the foreseeable future, parents are quickly learning how to navigate this unprecedented time. This creates a situation where children are at home much more than before.

 

Establish A New Routine

Routines and schedules are an important part of self-care for children and maintaining a sense of normalcy similar to their pre-COVID-19 schedule can help to prepare them for what to expect with each new day. A crafted daily timeline with a set activity schedule will help keep your children’s stress at bay and provide stability in your home.

 

Maintain Connections

Connection is critically important to maintain while social distancing, especially for children who may not understand why they cannot see their friends or classmates. Make an effort to reach out to the parents of your children’s friends to have virtual play dates or encourage your children to write a letter to their teacher. Staying in touch has never been easier, and remember, this won’t last forever.

 

Prioritize Physical Activity

When cooped up at home, it’s easy forgo physical activity, but it’s recommended that children get at least one hour of physical activity a day. Science shows that exercise triggers important mood regulators to battle against stress, anxiety and depression. Adhering to social distancing limitations, set a time aside to head outdoors for a physical activity such as walking the dog, riding bikes or playing in the yard. Also, many gyms and exercise studios are offering family-centric online classes for free or for a low cost like yoga and movement videos.

 

Appeal to Emotions

Sadness and loneliness are normal emotions for children to feel during this time of uncertainty. According to Nicholas Westers, a clinical psychologist and Associate Professor at University of Texas Southwestern, “Appeal to how your child can help contribute to society’s attempt to overcome this pandemic rather than what they are losing. Messages of altruism are often more effective than those of coercion.”

 

Turn Off the TV

Although technology is connecting our children to their teachers and school, too much screen time can be a bad thing. It’s easy to put on the television as a distraction mechanism, but children who consistently spend more than four hours per day watching television are more likely to be overweight. Now more than ever, keep tabs on screen time and set limits to ensure your children are not spending too much time on the couch.

 

Practice Patience

Now is the time to accept the things you cannot control and practice patience with yourself. While you cannot control what happens, you can control how you react to it. Children will be looking towards their parents to model how to act in this new and confusing environment. Our world has changed drastically over the past few weeks, and it’s going to take time for everyone to adjust. The most important thing in this moment is to make sure you are there for your child and practice open communication.