How to Help Your Child Cope with Stress during Covid
As students begin to go back to school, regardless if they are going online, in-person or in some sort of hybrid, now is a great time to check in with them about their mental health. The beginning of the school year can bring about extra stress even under the most normal circumstances, but during a global pandemic those levels of stress may rise even more. Take time to talk to your child about how they are feeling. When talking with your child, be sure to keep your own emotions in check, take time to really listen to your child’s concerns, and answer any of their questions. See below for tips on how to navigate these conversations.
Remember that children and teens respond to their big emotions, like stress and worry, differently. Some kids might respond to stress with anxiety, anger, sadness, unhealthy eating or sleeping behaviors, difficulty concentrating, misbehavior, headaches, acting out or avoiding activities that they used to enjoy.
Help make sure that your child is receiving factual information and provide them with tools to spot when information is exaggerated or false. Teach them to recognize when information is coming from a good source and remind them that just because something is on the internet it is not necessary true.
Let you child know that it is okay to be upset and brain storm ways that they can combat stress, such as exercise, meditation, journaling, getting enough sleep, taking a bath, watching movies, etc.
Make a self-care plan with your child. Include daily activities and a plan for what to do when they are feeling overwhelmed, including having a trusted adult to go to when they need help.
Spend time together as a family. Staying connected with loved ones and participating in fun activities together is a wonderful way to combat stress.
Be a role model to your child. Be sure to engage in self-care yourself.
Additional Resources
The Mental Health Center of Denver’s trained and experienced staff provides responsive, effective, and individualized community-based care for children up to 18 and their families.
Children’s Hospital Colorado has gathered information to help parents stay up-to-date on the coronavirus pandemic.
Virtual calming room inspired by SMAS, Wayzata Public Schools, Osseo Area Learning Center, & CNUSD.
Article from the New York Times with advice from experts on how parents can help adolescents get the facts straight and be prepared.
Article for parents about how they can help their children navigate their feelings during school re-openings.