The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, a pandemic. Whether or not you believe the response to COVID-19 is proportionate, there is no doubt that children are being directly touched. Their schools are closing, their academic and extracurricular activities are being cancelled, their spring break family trips are being postponed, and restrictions are being placed on mass gatherings. They’re also seeing and hearing the vast concerns of some and outright panic of others as local and national leaders attempt to control the spread of the virus.
Everyone is talking about coronavirus. The question is, are you talking about it with your children? Signs of Fear While individuals will react differently to stressful situations, children in general, tend to experience more intense emotions. Some level of fear and anxiety in this type of crisis is an expected and appropriate reaction. Keep an eye out for these common changes in young people that may signal a negative response to the current events unfolding around them (according to the CDC):
How to Talk about COVID-19 Children will look to us, as parents and caregivers, to see how we respond to the pandemic. If we deal with this situation calmly and confidently, our children are much more likely to do the same. It is important that we, along with our children, take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, eat well, stay connected to friends and family, and stay positive. In doing so we are better able to support our children. Other things we can do to support our children include (according to the CDC):
For additional and up-to-date information on COVID-19 visit:
Sources About Know! Parent Tips Everyone has a role in prevention. By reading and sharing this Know! Parent Tip today, you’re doing your part to prevent substance misuse and create a healthier world for all. We created these free parent tips to empower parents like you. Know! helps you promote health and wellness and protect the young person in your life from unhealthy behaviors, including alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. However, we rely on donations from people like you to provide these tips. If you found this tip interesting or helpful, please consider donating at preventionactionalliance.org/donate. Know! Parent Tips are provided by Prevention Action Alliance with support from the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, the Ohio Department of Education, and Start Talking!. Know! Parent Tips are also available in Spanish at the Know! archives.
0 Comments
|
Archives
August 2024
|