Are you looking for ways to help your child having Anxiety due to COVID 19? Keep reading for 5 amazing tips!
The global coronavirus pandemic has been unexpected with its flow-on effects, causing a great deal of uncertainty for all parts of society. As adults, it has resulted in changes to daily routines, changes to how we work, and the need to home school our kids in many cases. This uncertainty has not been limited to ourselves, though, as similarly, our children have also been affected.
Ways to Help your Child having Anxiety due to COVID 19
For children, daily examples of how it has changed their lives include not being able to go to school, fewer visits to see family and friends, and missing out on usual extracurricular activities potentially such as sporting activities and music lessons. For some children, these changes and uncertainty can cause feelings of anxiety.
We are not helpless. Though there are many ways, you can support your children or those you care for. Here are 5 ways to help your child having Anxiety due to COVID 19:
#1 Keep a Regular Schedule
Sticking to a regular schedule will help children attain a sense of normality and control despite all the changes going on around them. Sleep times, homeschooling, and time for other activities such as playtime will get them into a routine and can help to reduce anxiety.
Trying to find different ways to do things they previously did pre-social isolation will also help them gain a sense of normality. For example, you may supervise your kids’ exercise in the backyard or in the garage instead of being able to do it at school.
For the best advice on How to Manage a Daily routine for any child, check out this article on Autism and Coronavirus Quarantine – How to Manage the Daily Routine.
#2 Encourage Kids to have Open Dialogue with you
Kids will feel better knowing they can talk about any fears and ask any questions. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and check in with them a bit more often than usual.
For example, just ask how their day is going or went. Doing this will encourage them to open up and ensure that any issues can be raised so you can support them.
#3 Play with Your Kids
One of the easiest ways to help your child having Anxiety due to COVID 19 is to spend time and play with your children.
Sure, you may be homeschooling your kids, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun! Having fun learning activities and playtime will turn your kids’ attention away from any worries. Play in the backyard, go for a walk, or play a board game to help with family bonding!
#4 Seek Professional Support if in Need
If your child is still having issues with anxiety, you may like to raise this with your usual pediatrician. Remember, this should be possible over a video call so do not feel as though there is no professional help during this time. They may refer you to a Child Psychologist or suggest other ways to help your child.
#5 Use Technology to Help Socialize
Video technology such as Zoom or Skype can be utilized in a positive way to keep your child engaged in relationships. For example, although the kids can’t visit Grandpa and Grandma right now, you can organize a regular video call. This can help lift the entire family.
Helping Children having Anxiety due to COVID 19
Despite all the craziness in the world right now, there is a lot we can do to create a safe, healthy environment for our children. Starting by utilizing the above tips will help your children or those you care for. For further useful mental health resources for the current environment, visit the blog, Healthy Minds.