Keeping life manageable for school kids has always been a major challenge. In the best of circumstances, it’s a moving target. In the age of Covid, systemic disruptions have become the norm. Everyday life is a blend of the frustrating and the frightening. For children, this can be quite a volatile scenario.
To manage this situation requires a multi-pronged approach. As parents or caretakers, it’s important to identify triggers. What can impact your child and how? What if your child’s state of mind? Are there steps you can take to manage whatever is still within your control?
How Covid Has Impacted the Mental Health of Today’s Youth
A Climate of Fear and Division
Today’s kids have a supercomputer in their back pocket. They are getting a non-stop flow of information — accurate, inaccurate, and unverifiable. As a result, children are dwelling in a toxic environment. Health concerns, political division, civil unrest, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Loss of Routine
Kids tend to rebel against structure but simultaneously, they crave and need it. The lockdowns have shattered all sense of predictability and routine. This leaves them feeling lost.
Stressed-Out Adults
In times of crisis, children turn to adults for support and guidance. For more than 18 months, they can sense that the adults in their lives are overstressed and in conflict. This causes confusion and more fear.
Isolation and Disconnection
During a crucial time of learning and transition, your children are feeling more alone than ever. Consider any of the following:
Hanging out with friends
Spending time with family
Playing on sports teams
Dating and socializing
All of these and more have likely been disrupted.
6 Ways to Keep Life Manageable for School Kids During Covid
1. Understand the Signs
Pay close attention. Kids will often try to hide their fear but it will come out in other ways, e.g.
Behavioral changes, acting out
Complaining about being tired or stressed
Choosing to withdraw, self-isolate, or communicate less
2. Encourage Them to Stay Connected
Whether it is in person or video something like video chat, help keep your child connected with others. Plan virtual playdates, if necessary. Create time to connect with long-distance family members. Use your imagination to find as many ways as possible to avoid a creeping sense of loneliness or isolation.
3. Create Routines Wherever and Whenever Possible
An incredible amount of flexibility is required lately. But that does not mean structure cannot be created. Depending on your child’s age, think about cultivating routines related to mealtimes, bedtime, taking walks, or enjoying some form of shared entertainment. Do homework together. Pick one or two nights a week to have themes related to what you eat.
4. Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Both you and your child are stressed. However, the onus is on you to be there if and when they need you. Make it crystal clear that they can confide in you. They can rely on you. Your door is always open for important conversations.
5. Family Tech Breaks
This is an excellent way to reduce stress while creating a routine. Schedule regular device breaks to clear your minds and share some quality time together. Limit everyone’s social media usage and yes, that includes you!
6. Recognize That You Are Not Alone
Everyone is struggling so do not feel like you have to hold things in. Form online discussion groups to problem-solve and brainstorm. Consider talking to a counselor. It can be incredibly helpful to work with a skilled professional in times like this. Relief may just be a phone call away.
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