Most adults feel uncertain and anxious about the future as we deal with COVID-19 version 2.0, so it is no surprise that our children might struggle to grapple with the unfolding news too.
In a child's mind, the idea of a mutant Delta variant closing down whole cities can be amplified to comic book super villainous proportions and cause a great deal of worry.
How can we protect them from scary events when there are constant reminders all around us?
PITCH IT TO THE AGE
Toddlers/pre-schoolers don't need a lot of technical information.
However, they do need an explanation about why routines have changed and why grown-ups suddenly wear masks everywhere.
Unspoken fears are easily catastrophised.
Keep answers simple - children understand that winter brings runny noses and colds- start by relating it to that experience.
Explain that coronavirus makes some people sicker than that, so we need to try to keep them safe by washing our hands and coughing/sneezing into our elbows.
This approach also empowers your child with a sense of control.
Older children have more concept of a world outside their immediate sphere and receive messages from the media, peers, and other adults about what's happening.
As a result, they might ask more questions than little ones and require more information to help them make sense of it.
There is no need to sit your child down for a targeted conversation - follow their lead and try your best to address questions as they arise.
DON'T AVOID TRICKY QUESTIONS
It's tempting to distract or change the subject when faced with difficult questions.
Instead, give your child space to talk about their fears and ask you questions.
It's OK to be honest and say "I don't know" sometimes.
BE SELF-AWARE
Coronavirus is anxiety-provoking for adults as well as children.
Before you engage in conversations with your children, take your emotional temperature.
If you're feeling heightened or stressed, that is not the moment to talk about it.
Children look to your cues to understand how to regulate their emotions, so have these discussions when you can remain calm and level.
FILTER THE NEWS
Limit exposure to news cycles and television coverage.
Repetitive headlines about case numbers, death tolls, and bungled vaccine rollouts are harmful.
Home needs to be a safe space and a refuge from the outside world.
REASSURE
You can reassure them that few children are getting sick, so they are unlikely to get sick.
Australia has one of the best healthcare systems globally, and we take an approach of lock-down to keep people safe.
To support your child's wellbeing during this time.
Beyond Blue recommends:
- Remaining active. It is very important for your child's mental health and wellbeing.
- Make sure you join in with the fun. It can be hard if you're not feeling well yourself or, if you're having to make lots of decisions about changing your routine, but remember your child is looking to you to know how to behave.
- Encourage communication with friends using virtual formats when face-to-face isn't an option.
- Help your child to get enough sleep. You can do this by limiting the use of screens late in the evening and encourage your child to start a wind-down routine about an hour before they head to bed.
- If your child shows signs of normal childhood anxiety, you can support them in several ways:
- Acknowledge your child's fear - don't dismiss or ignore it.
- Gently encourage your child to do things they're anxious about but don't push them to face situations they don't want to face.
- Wait until your child gets anxious before you step in to help.
- Praise your child for doing something they're anxious about, rather than criticising them for being afraid.
- Avoid labelling your child as 'shy' or 'anxious'.
WHEN TO GET HELP
Some signs that your child might benefit from additional support include showing a lot of distress over everyday routine events, behaving uncharacteristically, and when sleep is significantly disrupted over time by worrying.
The best place to start is with your family GP, who can provide a referral to a professional such as a psychologist at The Rosewood Centre, who can work with you to develop strategies to address the problem and get back on track.
