Parents and Caregiver Support - Tip #3

Tip 3. Limit kids’ access to media and “COVID-talk”. We often have news and media outlets providing us with ongoing and live updates regarding the virus, all day, every day. However, hearing about the crisis can increase feelings of uncertainty and can increase stress levels.

It is all any one is talking about, and it is natural for partners to discuss the crisis in front of their children or even engage their children in daily crisis updates. It can be beneficial to help discuss what is happening as a family, either to assist in children processing the information or by answering questions for them. However, everyone needs to process the information, even children, in their own time and way. To help ease their uncertainty and anxiety, limit the amount of time they have access to conversations about COVID-19, and make a point to have positive conversations about other topics throughout the day.

It is inevitable, however, that the current climate will affect your child in some way. Whether they actually hear specific information or not, they will understand that some of the things that they usually do (going to the park, spending time with friends/extended family) are out of bounds right now. This makes it especially important for your child to be able to identify how they are feeling, and to share that information with you. With this goal in mind, we have created a How Do I Feel? chart that you can use with your child/children. Work with them on understanding what different emotions feel like, and then on constructive ways to handle these emotions when they occur.

Download How Do I Feel chart.

We hope you find these tips and materials helpful and we truly hope you stay safe and healthy during this time.

Tuesday, May 5, 2020