How to Manage Coronavirus (COVID-19) Stress for Parents & Kids
MANAGING YOUR CHILD'S STRESS
There are bound to be moments of stress for you and your little one when you’re both confined to your household for a long period of time. As parents, we know that every child is different, and they respond and deal with stress in their own little way. Some become clingly, others - angry, others agitated. The World Health Organization (WHO) has come up with some simple tips and techniques to help you manage stress, so that you can both feel alleviated and have one less thing to worry about. Because a happy child also makes a happy parent.
Swap stress for support
The best way to deal with your child’s stress is support. Don’t overreact when they’re stressed, it will only make things worse. Instead, shower them with support, listen to their concerns and calmly reassure them that you're in this together.
Love, love, love
Just like you, your child needs extra love and attention during these times. Set aside a moment every day to focus just on them. Remember to listen and reassure them. If possible, go out of your way to relax and play together, you’ll both feel better for it.
Stay together
Try and keep your little one(s) as close to you and each other as possible. Separating children from their siblings is also taking away a source of friendship. If, for some reason your children are apart, ensure there’s a regular contact between each other by telephone or internet chat.
Create a routine
Set out a daily routine. If you don’t have one yet, get creative with your little one and make one up taking into consideration your surroundings and that infants like to have a mix of learning, playing and relaxation during the day.
Explain what’s happening
If your little one is old enough to understand, try to explain to them what’s going on with the Coronavirus and how together you can reduce the risk of becoming infected. Don’t be afraid to calmly prepare them for what happens when someone gets sick, children are quite often more understanding than we know!
MANAGING YOUR OWN STRESS
With the responsibilities of children and trying to continue our everyday lives as if everything is normal, it’s not uncommon for a parent to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a situation like this one. Please be kind to yourself and remember, you don’t need to be perfect, you just need to be a parent. Here are a few simple tips to help put things in perspective and turn the negative situation into a positive one.
You’re not alone
Talking to people is a great way to express your feelings and lift your spirits. So get on the phone and call a close friend or a family member, or even someone you haven’t heard from for a while. You're all in this together, and you'll get out of it together.
There are always things to do
If you have to stay in isolation, try to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle - including a proper diet, a decent night’s sleep, daily exercise if you can and contact with your loved ones. Try and make this situation as normal as possible and enjoy it.
Keep a fresh head
Smoking, alcohol or other drugs might help you to briefly escape the situation, but they won’t help you deal with your emotions. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to someone about it, a close friend, a social worker or even a counsellor.
If you need to seek physical or mental help, try and have a plan of the best place to go.
Stick to the facts
Gather information that will help you accurately determine your risk so that you can take reasonable precautions. Find a credible source you can trust, such as the WHO website or the HSE website.
Also try to reduce the time you spend listening to or watching media coverage. It can overload you with upsetting information which doesn’t actually help.
You’ve done this before
Even though Coronavirus is a unique situation, draw on the skills and techniques you’ve used in the past to surpass illness or any of life’s adversities. Your personal defense mechanisms and underlying strength is there to help you again.
Be careful and stay safe!
Stay informed and follow medical advice!
It’s very important for you to be aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the World Health Organization (WHO) website and through your national and local public health authority. Please check them on a regular basis. Always seek advice from trustworthy, reliable sources for you and your baby. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Contact a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.
