Kids During COVID

Kids have an amazing way of putting things into perspective. One of our massage therapists Jessica and her son Noah (age 4) have been using their COVID time to connect as a family.

For some families children coping with COVID 19 can be difficult. Alberta Health Services has posted a useful webpage “Children react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. Coping with COVID-19 calmly and confidently, can help you support your child.” The following information is from this link HERE

Check in with your child, encourage questions to make sense of the current situation. Here are some things you can do to support your child:

• Start by asking your child what they know about this situation.
• Pay attention to what your child says and really listen with your head and heart.
• Encourage them to talk about their feelings and thoughts. If they have difficulty expressing their emotions in words, help them express their feelings through creativity (e.g., drawing, music).
• Accept their feelings without judging. Emotions come and go. It’s okay to feel sad, upset, or distressed. In most cases, these feelings won’t last long. It’s how we act when we feel these emotions that can get us into trouble.
• Answer questions calmly, reassuringly, and honestly. Give answers that your child will understand for their age and ability.
• Correct misinformation.
• Avoid telling them not to worry. The goal is to help your child realistically evaluate risk based on reliableinformation.
• Focus on how they can protect themselves and others from getting sick.
• Ask your child to come to you if they have questions or concerns as they may hear strange things or see strange things and wonder if they are true.
• Provide comfort and be patient.
• Check on your child’s feelings on a regular basis.