STRATEGIES FOR SUPPORTING CHILDREN DURING COVID-19

 ACKNOWLEDGE FEARS & BE REAL

• Be honest and give age-appropriate information
• Occasionally be open about your own emotions
• Help children see it is okay to have feelings AND show them that you can manage them

HELP MANAGE NEWS INTAKE

• Children look to the adults around them to learn how frightened they should be
• It’s helpful if adults take in the news and then convey it to children, rather than children viewing news on their own
• Discuss news in the context of a supportive relationship and in manageable bits
• Help children learn about credible news sources

BE CURIOUS WITH THEM

• Ask about what they are hearing and thinking
• Respond to their questions with facts
• Use developmentally appropriate language and relatable examples
• Follow their lead of where their thoughts are going, and help them limit
• the amount of time spent focusing on them.

YOUR PRESENCE AND ATTENTION ARE KEY

• Be available for questions or expressions of emotion
• It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers; your presence can help them tolerate not knowing
• Find simple activities to keep busy and shift attention when they’re ready

ROUTINE!

• Participate in regular activities as much as possible
• Eat, sleep, bathe, and play at regular times that children are used to
• Help children know what they can do – this builds self-efficacy (this may include chores around the house, creating new things, continuing to play, etc.)