Helping Your Kids Navigate “The New Normal” of Covid

These are challenging and unprecedented times. It is difficult for adults to make sense of the time of covid. It is especially hard for kids to understand and deal with the changes to daily life that have shown up in the last six months.

 You can help your kids by being honest and answering their questions to the best of your ability.  In addition, share how you are feeling. Your job is to be a rock of constancy and honestly by letting them know you will be a caring family through all of this. It always feels good to know you are not alone in what you are feeling. Tell them the door is always open for their questions and concerns.

When things change in our lives there is always grief that accompanies the change. Start by sharing your feelings around what has changed with covid. Do it in a calm, matter of fact way and explain your thoughts that go with the feelings. You might say, “I am sad that we can’t hug our friends or visit them without wearing masks. I am frustrated that this is going to go on for a long time. I miss going out to see a movie or go out to eat. I feel mad when I see people not wearing masks. I think there is fear under my anger because they might spread it around by not having their mouths and noses covered.”

Invite them to share some of their thoughts or feelings. If they do not have a lot to say that is OK. Affirm that they can talk to you anytime.

 Keep their routines in place. Things like regular playtimes are important opportunities to be outdoors and run, ride bikes, etc. Interact with them if other kids are not available. Being physical and moving their bodies is a great way to expend energy and calm them. Fresh air and being outdoors helps them connect to the routine of recess that would be present if they were in school. If they have siblings or if you are comfortable with neighbor kids who you know their families are practicing safe distancing, wearing mask, etc. then you might get them involved in play dates. Make it an adventure by taking them to local parks and beaches where they can run, swim and enjoy the company of their peers.

Follow the usual bedtime routines of slowing down from the day and get ready for sleep. Tooth brushing, putting on jammies and picking out a book are the essential preludes to getting a good night’s rest. Snuggle in close for a soothing end of the day. If your family prays then use that time to pray for the well being of family members and affirm, we will make it through this difficult time.

 The best way to care for your kids is to take care of yourself. Stay connected with your support people is especially important. Isolation is the enemy of our health as we are highly social creatures. When the kids are at the park join in their activities so that you can give your body the movement that it needs. It is important to model for our kids what we want them to be, which is be as healthy as possible as we move through this challenging time.

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