The COVID-19 crisis has affected everyone, and children are the most impacted. Because of the pandemic, they can no longer go to school, see their friends, or play outside. Given the current circumstances, they won’t be able to manage their thoughts and emotions. For these reasons, their mental health and overall well-being may be suffered. That is where you step in to support your kids as a parent.
The good news is that agencies such as Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide parents with mental health tips for children. They offer some ways on how to support children and foster their mental health during the COVID-19 crisis.
That said, here’s how to take care of your kids in the midst of a global pandemic:
Communicate with your kids about the COVID-19 crisis
To deal with the global crisis, what better way to start than to talk to your children about the novel coronavirus? No matter how young they are, you must help them understand what the COVID-19 crisis is. Explain to them in simple ways the new variants of coronavirus and their impact on peoples’ health. Most importantly, discuss the importance of ensuring cleanliness, safety, and health at home.
To ease their fears and worries, assure them that they are and will always be safe at home. Tell them that you will always be there to support and take care of them. Ultimately, let them know that things will get back to normal.
Maintain a healthy routine at home
Home isolation and restricted outdoor activities can take a toll on your kids’ mental health. Also, you don’t want them to get consumed by the digital world, as this can negatively affect their mental well-being. Hence, it’s important to maintain a healthy routine at home.
To set a healthy habit at home, be sure to consider the following:
- Set regular meals on time.
- Ensure they get enough sleep.
- Encourage them to have physical activities at home.
- Schedule learning activities.
- Have family bonding.
Ensure your kids’ social interactions
Due to the pandemic restrictions, your children may get stuck at home. They won’t be able to go to school, play with friends outdoor, and meet people their age. These can have a huge impact on their mental health and overall well-being.
It’s a good thing that the digital world allows us to interact with each other without necessarily being face to face. Give your kids some time to communicate and engage with their friends online. Just be sure to monitor them and keep such online interaction at a minimum. Ultimately, it’s best if you spend quality time with your children at home.
Monitor your kids’ digital consumption
While today’s technology and the digital world are helpful during this pandemic, they can be detrimental. This happens if and when your kids have so much digital consumption. Chances are, they’re hooked up on their social media, online games, and other digital channels. Problems arise when they fail to eat, get enough sleep, and have physical activities.
For these reasons, be sure to monitor your children’s digital use. Only allow them a certain time to surf digital channels, browse social media, and play online games. Stop them if they need to eat, sleep, or get some physical activities. Ultimately, spend quality time with your kids so they won’t get hooked up on their mobile phones or laptops.
Bring your kids to a child-friendly clinic for pediatric care
It’s hard for your kids to get sick these days. The last thing you want to happen is to bring them to a medical facility and get infected with a certain variant of coronavirus. But even as simple as colds and cough must not be taken for granted. These may even add up to their stress and anxiety.
If your kids are sick, the best course of action is to get them checked and treated right away. However, be wary of choosing a clinic, hospital, or medical facility. The best thing to do is choose a pediatric clinic such as Almouie Pediatrics with a child-friendly environment. That way, you’ll be assured of your kids’ safety and overall health.
Taking care of your children’s mental health is important now more than ever. Be sure to talk to your kids about the crisis, set a healthy routine, and encourage social interactions. Also, monitor their digital consumption and provide them with pediatric care. With all these key steps, you’ll be able to foster their mental health and overall well-being. Ultimately, you’ll be able to rise above the current situation as a family.
