Mental Health in Children during Covid-19

Mental Health in children and young people during the troubled times with everyone locked inside their homes for more than 60 days now, and no clear remedy of coronavirus on the view. When we read, hear, or share news about COVID-19, it only adds up to anxiety in children who are looking forward to a breakthrough.

Social media, news channels, conversations with family and relatives is only ridden with coronavirus outbreak and it’s ill effects on the economy worldwide. We are all living in the constant fear of an invisible enemy, in physical form and mentally. The lockdown extensions have higher threats to our subconscious minds, in easy words – our mental health.

Easy tips to work on the Mental Health in Children during Covid-19

1. Have reassuring conversation with Kids:

Talk and reassure young minds everything will be okay and this is just a phase. Positive affirmations work wonders, follow the daily ritual of keeping the home’s environment happy and suitable for everyone.

Ask their worries, give them a shoulder to share what’s worrying them. Listen before you speak, spend time together, build the bond of sharing freely. Utilize this time by creating memories and breaking barriers, as it is quite tricky to discuss mental health with children directly.

2. Reduce on frequent news updates:

Checking on coronavirus updates frequently probably add up to the stress and anxiety. Keep is realistic, the statistical updates will not do any good but build duress. Check out the stress cues by a child’s behavior, especially in growing kids.

Don’t unnecessarily talk about the ill effects of the pandemic on the world or how long it will take to completely normalize. Talk about the positive news, humane side of being together, this is a new normal and it is okay if you cannot venture outside for a few days.

3. Keeping up with the physical activities routine:

Let them not become a couch potato, just because they are to stay indoors during the lock-down period. Assign some easy daily tasks, chores if possible which helps in burning some energy. Enroll in virtual fitness classes or physical activity sessions like dance, aerobics, Zumba, yoga, etc. Let them burn some calories to earn appreciation.

Learn a happy hobby that will help you bring positivity in life. Such as Yoga, this International Yoga Day 2020, pledge to make Yoga an integral part of your life by registering here.

4. Handle social distancing consciously:

Social distancing is the need of the hour and must be inculcated as a habit. Don’t force forward your rule but explain the reasoning behind it, as this is one of the easiest ways to keep the virus at bay.

At the same time, utilize the technology and let them be in constant contact if their buddies/friends. Plan group activities or challenges online which bring positive competitiveness in children. Such activities are great to boost positive mental health in children.

5. Engage kids creatively to avoid screen-time:

These are testing times and a major challenge for all parents across the globe. Keeping children engaged is a gigantic task today, especially when all other options have been exhausted already. Let the creative juices flow and don’t try to contain the mess if they go out of the box.

DIY activities, recycle, or refurbished art is fun let them explore with thoughts and nifty. Indulge in family board games, like monopoly or snakes and ladder. Convert this time into ‘family time’ a constructive habit to break barriers and bring all together.

In the end, all that matters is happiness and healthy mental health in children and everyone. The situation and time are such that we have to bring positivism instead of the coping mechanism.

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Disclaimer

The content is not for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.