Helping Kids and Families Cope During COVID
Beth Watson, PhD, and Heidi James, MD
Heidi sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Beth Watson to discuss ways we can help kids and families deal with upheavals and changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- How might kids and adolescents respond emotionally to current events?
- Response will vary from child to child
- In general, you will see more pronounced version of their typical “style”
- E.g. more anxiety, anger, need for one on one time
- How can parents talk to their kids about COVID-19?
- It’s important that our kids not be overwhelmed by what they’re hearing and reading
- Regulate your child’s access and exposure to information
- Children are perceptive and will notice if you are stressed
- Answer questions honestly
- How can we create a safe, healthy environment for our kids?
- Mental health and wellbeing is top priority
- Validate their feelings and emotions
- Create structure and routine with
- Exercise
- Social time
- Socially distanced with peers, in-person with family
- Outdoor time
- Healthy food
- Sleep
- Regular sleep times
- Consider mindfulness and deep breathing to help
- How can parents look after themselves?
- Accept that this is hard for you, for your kids, and for everyone
- Do what you can to be present with your kids
- Practice self care, whatever that means to you
- Exercise
- Alone time
- Chocolate
- Be gentle and compassionate with yourself, be gentle and compassionate with your kids
Resources:
"The Breathing Book" by by Christopher Willard
Headspace - free mindfullness app
Ten Percent Happier - free access for healthcare workers
