HOW PARENTS CAN HELP THEIR CHILDREN DURING COVID-19 TO OVERCOME HEALTH ANXIETY?

                

As Covid 19 continues, parents everywhere are trying to keep children healthy and involved. Most schools, public gatherings, and non-essential companies are closed, children and parents are together adjusting with each other in coping up with the new normal.

The COVID-19 starts with feelings like anxiety, stress, and uncertainty, and they are felt particularly by children of all ages. Though all children deal with such sentiments in different ways, if your child has been facing anxiety issues due to school closures, canceled events, or disconnection from friends, they are going to need to feel loved and encouraged now more than ever.

 

Hence, here are some tips on how parents can help their children during COVID-19 to overcome anxiety.

1. Firstly, Stay calm and listen patiently to your children - Parents should have a calm, proactive talk with their children about the disease (COVID-19), and the crucial role children can play in keeping themselves healthy. Parents should assist their children to let them know about their emotions and feelings if they are feeling anxious about the virus so that the parents can be of help. Clarify that while we don't know how long it will take to "get back to normal life as before" to reduce the number of those infected, we do know that this is the most crucial time and we must follow the rules and guidelines of health specialists to keep ourselves safe.
2. Monitor about what they’re viewing or hearing - Parents should monitor the internet usage, television surfing timing and channels, and social media activity both for themselves and their children. Watching frequent updates on COVID-19 may increase fear and anxiety. Some improper information, or news created for adults, can also cause anxiety or confusion, especially in growing children. Check out what your child already knows and start from there in terms of getting them on the right track. Provide options to explore their interest, passion and engage your child in games or other thrilling activities instead.
3. Be aware of your children’s mental health - Most children are able to handle well with the support of parents and other family members, even if showing symptoms of some anxiety or concerns, such as difficulty in sleeping, mood swings, or focusing on studies. However, some may have risk factors for more intense feelings, including severe anxiety, depression, and even suicidal tendencies. Parents should reach out to a professional if children show variations in behavior or any of the subsequent symptoms carried for more than 12 days.
4. Hold to a routine - I would firmly suggest that parents should create a schedule for the day, that adds playtime where your child can get on their phone and join with their buddies, but it also should have technology-free time and time set by to help around the house. We need to think about what we value and build a structure that follows. It will be a great help for children to have a sense of a predictable day and a sense of when they’re supposed to be working and when they get to play. Talk to your child about their feelings - With school closures come canceled school plays, shows, sports events, and other curricular activities that children are deeply distressed about missing out on because of the COVID-19. This is huge for them than it is for us because we’re measuring it in terms of our life and experiences.
5. Check out your behavior towards them - Reply to their questions honestly, but don't offer casual details or facts. Don't avoid giving them the information that experts show as important to your children's well-being. I would like to urge parents to do what they can to control their anxiety in their own time and not to overshare their concerns with their children. That means a bundle of emotions, which may be hard at times, especially if they’re feeling those emotions rather deeply.
6. Guide basic Health & Hygiene lifestyle habits - Encourage your child to practice certain simple steps to prevent spreading the virus. Applaud your children when they sneeze or cough into the arch of their elbow. Teach them the importance of throwing away used tissues quickly after sneezing or coughing. Guiding what your child can do to limit viruses gives them a greater sense of satisfaction, which helps in reducing anxiety. Motivate your child to have a balanced diet, get sufficient sleep, and stretch regularly; this will help them develop a sound immune system to fight off disease.

           

It is very necessary to remember that children look to adults for direction on how to respond to stressful situations. Recognizing some level of concern is relevant and can result in taking certain steps that overcome the risk of breakdown. Educating children on certain preventive measures, talking with them about their doubts and worries, and giving them a sense of some direction over their risk of virus can help in reducing anxiety.

This is also a great chance for parents to create a strong bond during the process of helping children in problem-solving, flexibility, and compassion as we all work through setting daily schedules, balancing work and other activities, getting creative about how we use time, preparing new data from authorities, connecting and encouraging friends and family members in new forms. Still, if the problem is severe and you want some help, then don’t forget to reach out to the counselor and have a brief discussion on the concern you have about your child’s behavioral or emotional well-being and handling your family’s stress during the Covid pandemic.

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