Buzz
Among the many uncertainties today, one significant question is how this pandemic will impact the mental health of children. A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that children in China, under lockdown, experienced heightened levels of anxiety and depression. While it’s still too soon to draw definitive conclusions, many parents have reported noticing an increase in anxiety, stress, and depressive signs in their children.
So, what steps can parents take right now to help their children cope with these challenging circumstances in a healthy manner? We reached out to the experts for their advice.
Children are more likely to remember actions than words
“Children are likely to feel more secure when parents maintain a calm and positive demeanor,” explains Sarah Kate Bearman, an assistant professor of educational psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. Additionally, as Bearman highlights, staying calm and positive allows parents to better manage their own emotions as well.
Amy Smith, an occupational therapist and director of global business development at Enable My Child, agrees. “Children observe how you react more than what you say,” Smith explains. As she notes, kids often remember the behavior of a parent, rather than the exact words they use. If a parent appears stressed, anxious, or upset, that’s what a child will recall, more than anything that was said.
When engaging with your children, remaining calm and positive can significantly aid in helping them manage the situation at hand. This doesn’t mean ignoring the risks of the situation, but it involves communicating the facts in a way that won’t unnecessarily heighten a child’s anxiety.
One effective approach is to provide children with actionable ways to stay safe, such as washing their hands and keeping a safe distance of six feet, while also explaining the other protective measures they can follow. It’s also helpful to offer age-appropriate explanations of why these precautions are vital.
“It’s important to explain the reason behind these new rules,” Smith emphasizes.
Routines matter
One of the key actions parents can take to support their children is establishing routines. This can include things like waking up at the same time each day, setting consistent meal times, and creating a schedule for school and work. The more predictable the routine, the better. It’s also helpful to include daily physical activity and time outdoors, both of which are beneficial for mental health.
“[This] might involve sticking to your pre-COVID routines or creating new ones, but having some degree of predictability is beneficial for children,” says Bearman. As tempting as it may be to let everything fall apart, and despite the challenge of keeping some structure, it helps children hold on to a sense of normalcy in a world that feels anything but. (And let’s face it: Predictability is useful for adults too.)
Regardless of your situation or constraints, it’s worth putting in the effort to create a sense of structure and predictability, whatever that looks like for you and your family.
“It requires some creativity and thoughtfulness to keep things feeling normal,” says Smith.
Watch for signs of behavioral changes
As Bearman points out, some regressions are typical, such as thumb-sucking, toileting accidents, increased clinginess, or other behaviors a child may have outgrown. However, both Smith and Bearman emphasize that it’s crucial to watch for changes in behavior. If a typically outgoing child becomes withdrawn, a normally cheerful child appears constantly sad, or a child starts having trouble waking up or behaving more out of character than usual, these are signs parents should monitor closely.
“If a child is unable to perform their usual tasks or activities, that’s a major red flag,” says Smith.
Some children will be able to articulate what’s happening, while many will not. If a child expresses a desire to talk about their feelings, it’s important to listen.
“Don’t dismiss those warning signs, especially if the child is verbalizing them to you,” warns Smith.
As Smith explains, when a child is willing and able to express their emotions, it's an ideal situation. It shows they feel comfortable talking with you and can articulate what they’re experiencing. This also gives parents the chance to listen and support their child in coping with their feelings. However, most children are still developing the ability to understand and communicate their emotions.
“Many children haven’t reached that level of emotional awareness yet,” says Bearman. In such cases, it’s crucial to stay attentive to your child, in case they require extra support.
Look for professional help if behavior changes continue
If your child shows persistent changes in behavior, lasting several weeks or more, it’s important to seek professional help. It’s also critical to seek help if a child seems to be at risk of harming themselves or others. Assistance could include therapy sessions, even via video call, and you may also want to consult your pediatrician for further advice.
“It’s completely normal and OK to experience a range of emotions right now,” Smith notes. “However, be cautious if you notice those emotions starting to interfere with your daily life and activities.”
