Parenting in the Age of Coronavirus
These times are unprecedented. News sources are running 24/7 with continuous updates. All of this uncertainty can spike anxiety in our children and students who are learning to navigate this “new normal.” We’ve curated some fantastic resources on talking to your child and teen during the age of COVID-19.
Talking to Children:
How should we navigate conversation with our children? School psychologists and counselors have offered tangible steps and tools to have authentic, open dialogue that limits anxiety.
From NASP (National Association of School Psychologists):
Remain calm and reassuring.
Make yourself available.
Avoid excessive blaming.
Monitor television viewing and social media. Maintain a normal routine to the extent possible.
Be honest and accurate.
Know the symptoms of COVID-19.
Review and model basic hygiene and healthy lifestyle practices for protection.
Discuss new rules or practices at school.
Communicate with your school.
Read more here. A fantastic resource for kiddos that explores the new coronavirus in the platform of an online comic. It’s informative and engaging. Access the comic here.
Talking to Teenagers
Researchers and medical experts are in agreement that modeling perspective and managing anxiety is essential to having an open dialogue with our students. Some tangible next steps include:
• Normalize anxiety
• Offer perspective
• Shift the spotlight
• Encourage distraction
• Manage your own anxiety
Read more here. Start implementing ways to quell anxiety during self-quarantine. Finally, read these 5 take-home tips to help regain your calm.