Calming Children’s Anxiety During Coronavirus Spread
CALMING CHILDREN’S ANXIETY DURING CORONAVIRUS SPREAD
By Lisa Keane (MAMFC, LPC-S, NCC, REGISTERED PLAY THERAPIST SUPERVISOR) and Kristin Lowrey (MSW, LiCSW, PIP, REGISTERED PLAY THERAPIST SUPERVISOR)
We are all seeing alert after alert of closings, postponements, and cancellations due to our current public health crisis caused by Coronavirus (COVID-19). While we are not medical health professionals, and we are not offering advice on how to handle the virus, we do want to provide some guidance about how to talk to children about all that is going on.
Before we jump to how to help kids deal with their anxiety, let’s first start by focusing on how you as an adult are handling your emotions around this crisis. Make sure you are not streaming and reading too much news, especially that children can see and hear. Also make sure you are maintaining calm as much as possible when around your kids. Don’t make phone calls that are not necessary where you discuss the virus and the current state of affairs. Save those for when kids are away or in bed.
Kids are naturally curious! They are going to want to know what is going on. Here are some helpful guidelines and tips to follow when talking and interacting with your kids:
Be honest, but age appropriate: It’s okay to let them know there is a virus or germ going around that we want to try and stay away from by washing our hands. Acknowledge with them that they have been sick before, and just as you were with them then, you are there to take care of them if they get sick this time. Be honest, simple, and concrete.
Give them something to do: Remind them they can wash their hands and they can help clean your home. Having something they feel like they have control over will help with anxiety.
Have intentional connection time: When times of uncertainty hit, our kids need us more emotionally. Make time to play together, talk and do things they find enjoyable and connecting. You will be surprised how you can hear your child’s heart when you spend intentional time with them.
Avoid the brush off: Kids have heard so much about this virus and all that is going on right now. They have probably dreamed up some ideas themselves. Listen to them without judgment and let them express their feelings without fear of being told their feelings are ridiculous. It is okay to then talk about the facts, but sometimes they just need to be heard without interruption.
Use this as a time to pray: Help your child to channel their anxiety through prayer. Pray with them or have them repeat after you as you ask God to heal those who are sick and to calm any fears they might be experiencing.
Ultimately, make extra time for your kids during this time of uncertainty. Be available. Be present. Put down your phones, turn your TVs off, and be with your kids. Stick to your schedule as much as possible and look for fun activities to get their minds off of all that is happening. Your calm, engaged presence could just be the antidote to your child’s worries.
Additional Resources:
https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirus
The Autism Educator // Coronavirus Social Story (downloadable story for kids)
On our website, find additional blogs related to Stress-Management and Anxiety here.