Helping Your Child Deal with “Pandemic Anxiety”
VeryWellFamily.com has provided an excellent, updated resource for the parents and caregivers of children dealing with what I call “pandemic anxiety.” Written by Wendy Wisner, and reviewed by Ann-Louise T. Lockhart, PsyD, ABPP, “Helping Kids Navigate Emotions…” offers concrete advice to help navigate children’s unique emotional needs during these unprecedented times and beyond.
Topics focused on include:
1. What Are Normal Emotional Reactions to the Pandemic?
- While kids usually experience challenges and stress during regular times, the turmoil of fear, uncertainty, social isolation, and this pandemic’s duration is unique for them.
- Look for specific out-of-the-ordinary trends in your child’s behavior.
- Kids in households that are experiencing economic hardships can be even more prone to additional anxiety and depression.
- What emotions might your child be feeling?
2. Helping Your Children to Cope
- What emotions might your child be feeling?
- Please help your child name their emotions
- Teach your child to “sit with” difficult emotions
- The importance of keeping routines
- Incorporating meditation
- Teaching your child to reflect on the experience
- Practicing empathy and gratitude
- Helping your child navigate grief and loss
3. Looking for Signs of Serious Mental Health Issues In Kids
- In toddlers and young children
- In older children and teens
As parents and caregivers, we need to educate ourselves on positive ways to help our kids deal with their feelings. 2021 is the start of positive changes and progress on many levels. Helping our children cope with their emotions is a necessary task we must take on.
As parents and caregivers, we have got to take care of ourselves – mentally and physically – simultaneously. Another great article by VeryWellMind.com (“Healthy Coping Skills for Uncomfortable Emotions” ) gives guidance to help both you and your children navigate difficult emotions.
Like this post? Sign up here to receive future Abundant Living blog posts!
