Managing Covid19 impact on children

Changes are certain but difficult to accept for each one of us, children are most likely to be affected more if not addressed in time.
Today's scenario is very scary for us, but equally new for children, for them it's just police around you can't meet anyone, you can't touch anyone, no handshaking, no going out, all malls shop's closed. Everybody at home, no garden, no friends. Elders in repeated serious discussions, news channels on, masks on faces.
Mummy what is corona?? Where is it? Why it is not going?? When can we go to grandpa n granny? My four-year-old daughter keeps asking. It’s more than a month we are at home. Initially, for some days she didn't notice much, as both of us and my husband are at home. But now after a month, she is a bit restless and of opinion to go out, go to the garden and play with her friends.
Children get easily affected by their surroundings. As this health crisis unfolds we need to attend children more for their emotional well-being. As children see a fear, worry, and uncertainties around them they feel low and insecure. They can show a high risk of emotional stability and disruptive behavior or maybe irritated at small things around; they may seek more attention and act accordingly to get some. Eating and sleeping disorders can be seen along with disturbing behavior.

We need to observe them and be empathetic towards them. Ensure your support and care and see to it that they acknowledge it. See that they can feel your concern and can share their thoughts with you. They may share directly or indirectly, but as an elder, we need to make them believe in us and our care, love, and support towards them.

Social distancing should be strictly followed but ensure its not social isolation for children. Children need quality time, especially with their loved ones. They have their friends, maybe school friends, neighbors, and family members like grandparents who they need to see, talk and play. While you make them understand social distancing ensure they do not miss these people from their life.
My daughter is very fond of her grandparents and due to pandemic situations, they are caught up at Indore. We ensure she speaks to them on video chats at her comfort as and when she wants, and for any longer time, she feels. We also connect her to her friends once in a day.

Avoid holding information from children as they feel more stressed. Make yourself available to them and try to answer their questions. If they can access books, or websites even advertisements on television in commercial breaks. These days we see the handwashing that is hand hygiene breaks on various channels, let children watch and understand it. Avoid constant negative discussions and watching the news in front of children.

We need to see that we reassure them about their safety and safety of their loved ones. Follow the fixed routine, that is their daily meals, bedtime, playtime so that they feel all is well and as it was earlier. Regulation is a must. We should ensure children’s self-regulation. i.e. Engage them in various activities that help them self regulate. Following regular activities like exercise, meditation, sleep, meals, play.

It’s very essential for children’s physical and emotional well-being, to ensure family or elders can meet their basic needs.
Keep children busy, when they get bored they may reflect disruptive behavior. Give them creative activities where they can put their mind and soul and forget the panic situation around i.e. like clay molds, painting, drawing, crafts. Let them help in household activities to keep themselves busy.

Let them know their simple acts will save them from problematic situations like maintaining hygiene, washing hands, using masks, having healthy food, like fruits, veggies. Let them control the situation their way then, and then they will feel they have the control and can take care of the situation. Let them help in household activities if they are interested.

If the children feel insecure and there is emotional breakdown due to activities around in society, they can even be treated by sharing positive stories happening around them.

Last but important seek professional help if the child shows signs of trauma. If the child shows different patterns like sleepless nights followed by nightmares, increased aggression, or self-harm and it doesn’t get resolved by support look for professional help. There are telehealth therapies that can be done over a phone call or video chat.

We will have to be at peace and maintain it in our house until the lockdown is called off. Also, see that you do not make your child addicted to unwanted gadgets or habits. Attend them and see that you satisfy their questions out of what they are observing around.

This is definitely a passing phase, and we will soon be out of it. But there are always learnings. It's not going to be very easy or normal even if the lockdown is called off. So let's prepare for it. Our mental well-being is equally important as physical fitness.