Tips to help your child’s anxiety during the COVID19 pandemic
I was driving my 7 year old to school when the news came on the radio. It was the start of the COVID19 pandemic and they were reporting the first deaths in Australia on the radio. My daughter sitting behind me said “mummy I’m scared of dying from the Corona virus”. I was shocked that one news bulletin had caused so much worry in my young daughter so we had the conversation about what it is (to the best of my knowledge) how to avoid it and what would happen if she gets it.
I soon realised I was not the only parent having to deal with managing my child’s anxiety levels at this unprecedented time. Here are my top tips for managing child anxiety during the COVID19 pandemic.
Be honest.
Tell them the facts don’t repeat embellished news articles or Facebook posts.
Ensure it is age appropriate. It is a virus, you have had viruses in the past. Example; It will affect you like a cold you may have had with a sore throat, temperature, body aches. However in older people it may cause them to become very sick as their body may not be as strong as yours. Give more information as you feel is necessary. Use a reputable source for up to date information.
Scrap the news
They start every broadcast with the Corona death figures and it only goes downhill from there causing us to jump straight into survival mode where panic sets in. We need to model appropriate behaviour and manage our own anxiety as well as our child’s anxiety. Turn the TV and radio off and select a reputable informer to check in with daily.
Teach them good hygiene.
It’s important that they protect themselves and others in the community. Good hand washing techniques are essential, some schools are teaching them to sing “Happy birthday” twice as a way of measuring if they have washed their hands for long enough. No face touching, nose picking and thumb sucking is out. Coughing and sneezing into elbows. Carry hand sanitiser when out, use after touching door handles etc. No touching or hugging friends and keep distance from each other (difficult in school environments).
Avoid the supermarket
Avoid taking your child to the supermarket, the thought of stepping into a supermarket makes me anxious! Supermarkets have become a battle ground of late with people fighting over toilet paper, meat and pasta. I find the behaviour of “adults” in our community absolutely terrifying. Imagine how scary it is for a child watching people having a punch up for the last bottle of pasta sauce. Instead I have gone down to my local fruit and veg and butcher and found everybody polite and grateful for business.
Keep a healthy routine
As a family a healthy routine should be encouraged. A healthy nutritious diet, there is plenty of fresh produce. Decent sleep and exercise outdoors (providing you are well) is essential for a strong immune system and keeps anxiety at bay.
Choose kindness
Earlier this year we were raising money for our fellow countrymen with the bush fire appeal. Now it’s every man and woman for themselves.
Pick up the phone and check on older friends and relatives. Do they need you to pick something up for them as they have chosen to self isolate? Perhaps ask your child what they could do for others as a way of lifting spirits and making someone’s day. Suggest they make cards or drawings for residents of a local nursing home as many elderly are in quarantine during this time and very lonely.
Make a list of fun!
Your child is probably spending more time home with you. Make a list of fun things to do that you usually wouldn’t get around to. Here are just some ideas;
Cooking class
Writing letters and cards
Finishing that puzzle
Gardening, plant their own seeds
Make slime
Create a bird feeder
Paint pet rocks
Build a fort
And the list goes on. I wonder what else you will add to your list
Seek Help
Professional help is still available to help manage your own anxiety or your children’s anxiety. Most therapists like myself now offer zoom sessions so you can remain in the comfort of your own home and be anywhere in the world.