Three Rs Can Help Your Kids Get Through It
Throughout the year, parents have worried about the long-term impact of this pandemic on our children, and rightfully so: their mental health, physical health, academic and social skills have likely been affected by the closure of schools and activities they enjoy. were canceled and their friendship was to take place at a distance.
When children find it difficult, we cling to the idea that they are naturally resilient. “The kids are bouncing back,” we tell ourselves and each other, partly because it’s often true, but maybe also because we need it to be true. But firmness is like a muscle that gets stronger over time. He needs to get rid of the burden of adversity before it can appear, and difficulties abound right now.
Of course, the problem of a pandemic lies in the sheer magnitude of these difficulties. Getting over the stoppage of life for a couple of weeks would be one thing; Overcoming anything that closes for more than a year is another matter entirely. But there are things we can do to help our children cope with it.
Laura Santanam recently reported on the topic for PBS NewsHour , and Jessica Bartlett, who leads early childhood research for Child Trends , told her that parents should rely on the “three Rs” of confidence, routine, and regulation.
- Reassure them of their safety. Young children want to know that adults work very hard to protect everyone. Older children have likely heard stories or rumors about the virus and may be prepared for more age-appropriate conversations about what is happening and what is being done to help their family and community survive this pandemic.
- Stick to a routine . There is a time to sleep, a time to wake up, a time to study, and a time to play. Keep these graphs as long as possible. And when something changes and some notification appears, let your child know so that he can mentally prepare. Even a small heads-up can help a child cope with difficulties.
- Adjust . Different children have different coping mechanisms – exercise, deep breathing, movement, quiet pastime. Whichever strategy works, it can improve a child’s ability to deal with big feelings, his ability to learn and communicate with others.
It may sound basic, but the basics have a way of getting lost in the midst of all the stress they – and we – experience. It is worth recalling that the best way to help them continue to build up their resilience during this pandemic – and come out on the other side with minimal damage – is to support them. Give them the confidence they need (even if they don’t ask for it), protect their routines whenever possible (but don’t berate yourself if you can’t), and help them develop their emotional regulation techniques (and practice them together).
It doesn’t hurt to model this for yourself as well. Children often learn to deal with difficult situations by watching you deal with them.