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Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic as a family and as a community has proven to be a challenge. Navigating the journey through largely uncharted waters is easier now that more concrete information about COVID-19 is available. Parents can be more confident and reassuring in their conversations as they help their children deal more effectively with the situation and overcome their fears and anxiety.
Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy, a Circa FishHawk, FL preschool, offers the following tips to help parents walk with their children through this pandemic.
Tip #1: Calm is contagious.
Remain calm and reassuring. Children will react to both what is said and how it is said, and they will pick up cues from the conversations parents have with them and with others. Reassure children that they are safe. It is okay if they are anxious or upset. Parents can share with their children how they themselves deal with their own stress and fears. Children can learn how to cope by seeing their parents cope.
Tip #2: Talk to children about COVID-19.
What is known about COVID-19 has evolved significantly since a national emergency was declared in early March. Parents should take the opportunity to explain what is being learned about the virus. New words and terms have been introduced into the vocabulary. Explain in very simple language what these terms mean. Examples of these new words and terms are:
- Pandemic
- COVID-19
- Social distancing
- Self-quarantine
- Lockdown
- Flatten the curve
When children understand what words mean, they are less likely to be anxious or frustrated. The unknown can be frightening, even for adults.
Tip #3: Stick to normal routines as much as possible.
Schedule regular mealtimes and bedtimes because these are essential to a child’s physical and mental well-being. Daily routine makes for stability and confidence in the life of a child. Disruptions in routine can cause anxiety, stress, and confusion. Explain why the interruption to work, school, travel, entertainment, recreation, and eating out is necessary and beneficial to stay safe and healthy. Children want to know why they cannot go to their favorite restaurant, the park, or their grandparents’ house. Helping them to understand the reasons for these limitations or inconveniences will reduce fears, frustrations, and disappointments.
Tip #4: Encourage children to ask questions or express themselves about the changes in life and what they are hearing, seeing, and feeling.
Some questions children frequently ask about life in a pandemic include:
- What is coronavirus or COVID-19?
- Why does everybody have to stay at home?
- Why can’t we go to the park today?
- What can I do so I do not get sick?
- Will I get sick?
- What will happen to me if I get sick?
- Is it okay to be scared?
- How will I know I am sick?
- Why are you wearing that mask?
- When will everything get back to normal?
Tip #5: Ask children questions.
It is okay to help small children ask questions or express their feelings by asking them questions. One of the best ways to learn to ask questions is to be asked a question. Questions stimulate the brain and promote thoughtfulness. The questions in Tip #4 can serve as a helpful guide.
Tip #6: Pay attention to what children see or hear on television, radio, or online.
The CDC advises parents to consider reducing the amount of screen time focused on COVID-19. Too much information on one topic can lead to anxiety in a child.
Tip #7: Look for signs of anxiety and seek help if needed.
Parents know their children best. Changes in behavior and personality may be signals that a child is not coping with the changes brought on by COVID-19. Acting out, clinginess, withdrawal, loss of appetite, or listlessness may be signs that a child is not coping with the crisis.
Tip #8: Give positive progress reports on the pandemic.
Much has been learned about the virus, how to treat it, and how to avoid spreading germs. Things are returning to normal. Life is returning to some degree of normal, and the economy is opening. Pointing out positive progress will encourage young children who will begin to notice things on their own and point them out to others.
Tip #9: Hug first
One of the core values of the Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy approach to learning is “Hug first, then teach.” This most cherished principle applies in the home, too! Hugs overpower fear, relieve stress, repair a broken relationship, and heal a hurting heart. Hug first, then hug again, and again, and again.
Conclusion
These simple tips help parents and children cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and be stronger, happier, and healthier. Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Circa/Fishhawk embraces a whole-child approach to learning that includes the physical health and mental well-being of the child. For more information about the programs at the preschool learning center, visit the Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Circa/Fishhawk website at kidsrkids.com/circa-fishhawk. Contact the office by phone at (813) 654-7000.