“I want to ensure my kids feel secure, loved, and supported during these times, but… it’s a lot to handle.” This sentiment is echoed by many parents navigating these unprecedented days. While I joke about the overwhelming roles we’re expected to play, there’s truth in the humor. As we strive to keep our families afloat, it’s crucial to acknowledge that our children are also feeling the weight of this pandemic.
Kids have a remarkable ability to bounce back, yet they are not immune to feelings of anxiety, sadness, or stress. It requires extra effort to safeguard their mental health, and right now, my most vital role is to connect with my children’s emotions.
Recognizing Signs of Distress
My eldest is nine, while her twin siblings are six, and they’ve certainly faced their share of disappointment from the absence of playdates, sports, school, and familiar routines. Their reactions range from open tears to loud protests when they feel frustrated. (One sibling is currently expressing outrage over cleaning up after himself.) While I appreciate their openness, I’ve also noticed indicators that suggest they’re grappling with more than just their immediate frustrations. There have been instances of regressive behavior, and at least one of my children has been climbing out of bed due to nightmares or sleep troubles.
Dr. Lisa Thompson, a psychiatrist and the Medical Director at Family Health Services, emphasizes that children, tweens, and teens respond to stress in various ways. For younger kids, signs to watch for include excessive crying, irritability, or withdrawing from activities they once enjoyed. Older children might show increased irritability, difficulty concentrating, or heightened worry. Furthermore, unhealthy eating or sleeping habits may emerge, and unexplained physical complaints could signal that stress is taking a toll.
Strategies for Coping
To get to the core of what might be bothering our kids, Dr. Michael Reed, a board-certified adolescent psychiatrist, suggests using open-ended questions to gauge their understanding of the pandemic. Talking about facts and safety measures can help dispel fears and misconceptions regarding the virus. However, it’s not only the pandemic that unsettles them; disruptions to their routines can be equally challenging. Establishing a new, simple daily schedule that includes consistent meal times, sleep, exercise, and engaging activities can help provide stability.
Moreover, it’s essential to limit their exposure to media coverage. While it’s important to keep them informed about social distancing and school closures, too much conflicting information can cause anxiety. Social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation, though; enabling your kids to connect with friends through texting, video calls, or online gaming can help them feel more secure.
Each developmental stage requires age-appropriate discussions about COVID-19 and its implications. It’s equally important to acknowledge their feelings of disappointment over missed events like sports seasons, proms, or graduations. Dr. Thompson points out that validating their grief and discussing how we cope with disappointment can be invaluable. Our responses serve as vital role models for our children.
Prioritizing Self-Care
For many parents, managing their emotions while navigating their children’s heightened feelings can be particularly challenging. I often find myself struggling to maintain my own emotional balance. My patience wears thin, and I sometimes feel overwhelmed. Yet, I recognize the importance of self-care to support my family. It’s essential to stay connected with friends, exercise, eat healthily, and engage in activities that bring joy.
Dr. Thompson encourages parents to take breaks and step away from excessive pandemic-related news. Instead, use that time to engage in enjoyable activities—whether it’s reading, watching a show, meditating, or simply taking a nap. Fatigue is a common reaction to stress, and parents are feeling it acutely. It’s crucial to limit alcohol consumption during these times. Prioritizing our mental health enables us to better support our children through their struggles.
While the timeline for returning to a sense of normalcy remains uncertain, we can’t shield our kids from disappointment. However, by being their safe space, we can help them navigate their feelings.
For more on parenting during these times, check out this post. And for additional resources, visit Make a Mom for expert guidance on home insemination and parenting. Another excellent resource is Rmany, which covers a variety of topics related to pregnancy and family life.
Summary
In conclusion, protecting our children’s mental health during the pandemic requires vigilance and understanding. By recognizing signs of distress, establishing routines, encouraging social connections, and prioritizing our well-being, we can create a nurturing environment for our kids to thrive even in these challenging times.
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