As the cases of Coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) continue to increase across the globe, public conversations continue to take place. According to CDC, parents, guardians, and school staff, as well as other adults, have a significant responsibility of helping children make sense of the information they hear or read in a way that is accurate and reduces fear and anxiety.

While children seem to be the most vulnerable population for anxiety and fear in the COVID-19 outbreak, parents also face a range of challenges having to work from home, social distance, and homeschooling for their children. Just as in a plane we advise parents to apply the oxygen mask first, parents can help their children adjust during this time by first taking some steps to help ease their own anxiety. Being involved in home-schooling is a meaningful way parents can divert their attention from the virus and make a positive impact in the lives of their children. It is important that parents make time to unwind to ease their own anxiety. Taking breaks from watching or listening to news and social media is important for mental well-being during this time. Also, finding other activities to help unwind, such as listening to music, reading a good book or a relaxing bath after the children are in bed are beneficial. Meditating and stretching can help rejuvenate the body and mind, both of which children could participate and benefit.  Engaging in physical activity breaks with their children can ease stress for both parent and child.

Parents are the role models, since children will often react to and follow how parents respond and react. Parents can reassure their children as they react and respond with calm reassurance that they themselves know how to take precautionary steps. Finding practical ways that parents can talk can lessen the fear of children. Acknowledging some degree of concern without panic while being informative and calm can greatly lessen fear. Empowering children that they can be mindful of keeping their hands to themselves and washing their hands frequently. Listening to children and encouraging them discuss their feelings and helping them understand how respond to their feelings with truth and reassurance.  Children can be taught about social distancing and encouraged to think positively regarding the situation, that they have control and power in being part of the solution by doing their part.

Creating a daily schedule to help children adapt can help lessen anxiety as well. Parents can use this time to adopt normal school hours for learning. Consistency is important and helps increase attention. Therefore, a schedule is paramount, and parents can borrow from what schools have created. Skilled teachers create a structure since learners adapt quickly when they are aware of what to expect. Planning daily activities will not only help children but also allow parents or caregivers to share duties. By creating breaks, a range of activities and choices, parents will be able to make plans that meet the unique needs of each child. The most critical part, however, is flexibility and keeping the personality and experience of the child in mind. Parents with children attending programs like Montessori, for instance, may excel in various works spread around the home while those children from traditional educational settings may be comfortable working around a tighter schedule. There are various ways that parents can plan for their children’s learning. They can schedule separate days for reading, writing, and online lessons or they can do a little bit of everything each day. Finding the best schedule to help keep children interest in their learning activities is a helpful assessment to make during this time.

The COVID-19 fears and safer at home orders will lift with time.  Helping your children and yourself during this time can deepen your relationship with them as well as help you reassess what is important in life.