COVID-19: Dealing with Stress
Five Helpful Ways to Manage Stress and Anxiety Caused by the Coronavirus
1. Talk with your child about the coronavirus. While it may be scary and overwhelming to talk about, helping your child understand what is happening can relieve stress, anxiety and worry. Here are some resources to help you be informed and communicate the information in a simple and child friendly way:
2. Create a daily or weekly schedule for your child. Having scheduled tasks everyday can help manage the anxiety that comes with a lack of structure and routine. It can also go a long way in helping with your child’s return to the structure of the school day.
3. Try to carve time out of the day to spend one-on-one time with your child if you can. It will give you an opportunity to connect and see how they are dealing with this major life change, as well as help them to manage the stress of being socially isolated.
4. Interrupt screen time when you can. Phones, tablets and TV’s are going to get a lot of use during this time, which is understandable! Try to take breaks from screen time by playing cards, board games, reading, or doing art projects.
5. If you fee comfortable, go for a walk or spend time in the year. Fresh air and sun can go a long way to help with you and your child’s overall health.
