A few weeks ago, I found myself overwhelmed by the weight of the ongoing pandemic. This wasn’t the first time I’d felt this way, and I doubt it will be the last. Despite the encouraging decline in case numbers and the increase in vaccinations, I felt completely drained—mentally and physically—by the constant effort to maintain some semblance of normalcy during these challenging times. My days blurred together, filled with a mix of uncertainty about the future and the monotony of the present.
Then came my daughter’s birthday, a poignant reminder of when we last celebrated with friends before COVID-19 altered our lives. That previous celebration, while joyful, was marked by anxiety; I found myself disinfecting surfaces and spraying disinfectants as guests left, already aware that the virus was changing our everyday behaviors.
On the eve of her birthday, I saw her frustration mirrored in my own feelings—she was exhausted. Tired of managing disappointment, longing for her friends, and struggling to accept the new reality as “normal.” She was resigned, having hit her own pandemic wall.
I had overlooked the fact that children, too, are experiencing these emotional hurdles. While I was aware they were missing out on social interactions and grappling with disrupted routines, I hadn’t truly recognized that they, like me, were confronting their own pandemic walls.
Sixth grader Jamie Smith from California expressed her feelings succinctly: “I’m worn out, stressed, and just feel lazy.” Psychologists refer to this as “cognitive overload.” According to Dr. Lisa Green, a clinical psychologist, the prolonged nature of the pandemic has disrupted children’s emotional coping mechanisms, leaving them struggling to regulate their feelings.
We initially believed that pulling kids from school was a temporary measure, but a year later, the disruption continues. This ongoing uncertainty has been traumatizing for them. As Leslie Johnson, founder of Kids First, noted, “The disconnect between our expectations at the pandemic’s onset and our current reality has been particularly tough on children.”
Ways to Support Children
There are ways adults can assist kids grappling with their pandemic walls. Clinical social worker Anna Lee suggests acknowledging their struggles and providing space for them to express their emotions. “It’s crucial to remember that kids have their own feelings about this situation,” she said.
Activities such as yoga, mindfulness, or simple check-ins can also be beneficial. Additionally, strategies often suggested for adults can be adapted for children. Psychologist Dr. Rachel Adams recommends focusing on controllable aspects of their lives while setting small, achievable goals. For kids feeling particularly powerless, finding even a small sense of control can make a difference. Reflecting on their achievements over the past year, no matter how minor, can help them navigate these challenging feelings.
For my daughter’s birthday, we aimed to make the day memorable. While a birthday parade was out of the question (the novelty had worn off long ago), we focused on cake, candles, and creative COVID-safe celebrations. She trusts me when I say that we’re nearing the end of this pandemic. She believes that soon, life will become easier, and she’ll once again be able to connect with friends and family. Most importantly, she trusts that this wall will eventually lift and that relief is on the horizon.
For more insights, check out this blog post for additional parenting tips and strategies.
Search Queries:
- How to support kids during the pandemic
- Signs children are struggling with mental health
- Activities for kids during COVID-19
- Coping strategies for children during a pandemic
- Emotional support for kids affected by COVID-19
Summary:
Children are feeling the emotional strain of the pandemic, similar to adults. As routines have been disrupted for over a year, kids are encountering their own “pandemic walls,” marked by fatigue and stress. Adults can play a crucial role by acknowledging these feelings and providing opportunities for expression. Small celebrations, like my daughter’s recent birthday, can offer a sense of normalcy and hope for the future.
Leave a Reply