The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown everyone for a loop. It's stressful for adults who can better understand what's going on, but what kinds of emotions is your young child trying to wade through? From a simple, reassuring discussion to natural anxiety remedies, there are several ways to calm your child's nerves during this unsettled time. Children will take cues from their caregivers, so it's essential that you also take care of your own health.
Discuss the Facts
Discuss the facts about the pandemic using age-appropriate language. The first thing is to let your child know is that this is new for everyone. No one completely understands it, but medical experts worldwide are continually learning about it. A young child may be confused or scared by scientific terms that they may not understand; break it down simply. You might explain that, just as you take cold flu prevention medicine when you feel a cold coming on, you can also be proactive about COVID-19 by washing your hands, staying home and being “germ busters.”
Empower Your Children
Empower your children by teaching them how they can do their part to help the world get through this crisis. The more people that cooperate, the more empowered they'll feel, and the faster normalcy can resume. They'll feel some hope knowing that they have a chance to make a difference to their own health and the health of others. By wearing a mask, practicing proper social distancing and other healthy behaviors, they can contribute to everyone's well-being.
Encourage Self-Care
Encourage your child to practice self-care, especially when feelings of helplessness are making him or her feel anxious. Physical exercise helps. Also, make sure that he or she is eating healthy and getting enough sleep. Along with proper health practices, natural anxiety remedies such as calming tablets for children can also significantly impact a child's mental health. You might even teach him or her mindful meditation, which centers around focusing on the present instead of worrying about the future.
Stick to a Routine
Keeping a routine is especially critical for children during this uncertain time. When everything seems to be out of control, some stability is necessary to keep anxiety in check. Keep your child's day structured, similar to their “normal” life, even if he or she isn't going to school. A consistent sleep/wake routine is vital.
Stay Connected With Family and Friends
Make sure that your child is still regularly in contact with friends and family. You could arrange a get-together using masks and proper social distancing, for example. Video chat is also a great option.
No one knows precisely what will happen with COVID-19 or when life will return to normal. In the meantime, work to maintain both mental and physical health for you and your family. If you need a little extra help with the mental aspect, natural anxiety remedies can be beneficial. After all, dealing with mental health issues can also help with many physical problems. Take care of one another, and this pandemic will take care of itself in time.
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