The effects of the pandemic on children and families weigh on a lot of us across the world. Most families are continually seeking ways to cope with the pandemic, especially when they have a patient (high-risk patients, people living with disabilities, or COVID-19 patients and survivors).

Trying to establish ways to care for a senior citizen or a patient at home during the pandemic is quite stressful for families and their children. This article looks into stress management for children and families with patients at home; however, it also applies to those without patients and need tips on stress management during the pandemic.

Stress Management for Families During COVID-19

Stress Management for Children

• Explain the COVID-19 pandemic to your children in detail and answer any questions or rectify any misconceptions in a way they can understand. You can get reliable resources from the CDC or WHO.
• Reassure your child of their safety by creating a safe environment and let them know that it is okay to feel upset. You can also share your frustrations and explain how you are coping.
• Create a consistent routine for your children that combines learning activities and fun activities throughout the day. This establishes normalcy for the child and reduces any chances of panic.
• Be a role model for your child by following all the COVID-19 regulations, practicing self-care, and connecting with friends and family through social media. Supervised calls to their friends or teachers can also help them feel connected.
• Schedule parent-child quality time for meaningful activities such as reading with them, cooking, physical and mental exercises.
• For children experiencing extreme stress and showing signs of depression, involving a therapist can be of significant help in coping with stress.
• Explain any pandemic expectations for those with a patient at home, inform them of what to expect, and how they will deal with the expected changes.
• Involve them in caring for a patient by allocating minor responsibilities they can take up, under your supervision. For example, you can involve them in mealtime activities for the patient.
• Allocate time for social media and limit it to a specific period. For younger children, supervise their social media interactions to ensure they are safe from any negative information.

Stress Management for Parents

Stress Management for Families During COVID-19

Related Article: Stress Management for Caregivers During COVID-19

• Identify signs of stress that you may be experiencing from this article we shared on our blog. Be aware of what sets you off and recognize some of the changes you experience physically and emotionally.
• Add calming or relaxing activities into your schedule. You can also take this time to work on your talents or develop a new hobby. Regular family activities will also help you feel connected.
• Talk to a reassuring friend or family. Share what is bothering you as a way to get overwhelming issues off your chest. Getting involved with these support systems will make it easier for you to cope.
• Maintain a positive attitude by constantly giving yourself a positive pep talk. Reassure yourself that you are in control and that you are doing the best for yourself and your family. Find and focus on the positive aspects of every situation, including the pandemic.
• Avoid drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism or as a way to numb any feelings of inadequacy. Focus on maintaining a balanced diet and healthy routines to keep you fueled and healthy.
• Schedule specific times for social media and news to avoid overwhelming yourself with information. Also, pick out reliable sources of information.
• Create a collaborative decision making and problem-solving environment. Involve everyone in the family while trying to make an important decision or solving a significant problem.
• Ensure that you are having age-appropriate conversations with your children to avoid overwhelming them with information that might trigger stress.
• Take a break if you are feeling overwhelmed or if you feel triggered by a specific situation. Involving a caregiver for home care in Arlington helps you with some of the responsibilities on your plate.

Additional material for families

Material 1 : PARENT/CAREGIVER GUIDE TO HELPING FAMILIES COPE WITH THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019

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