Let’s admit it, life is strange right now. And while Covid-19 impacts everyone, it can be especially challenging for kids, whose routine is significantly disrupted.
With school closings, cancelled activities and events, and the inability to interact with their friends, the days can be lonely for children. In their video to support parents and kids during this isolating time, Mindful Journey play therapist, Carrie Cravens, and counseling intern, Maryam Munis, discuss strategies and activity ideas parents can implement with their children. Many parents wonder if they are doing things the “right” way. What is the right way during a pandemic? There isn’t! We are all in survival mode and what works for one family, might not be the right solution for another.
It is important to emphasize to yourself and to your kids that this is temporary. While no one knows when this will end, remind your little ones that you will get through this together. Feeling unified and supported gives kids a sense of community and assurance that they are not in this alone.
Below are some additional action items to consider as you navigate this challenging time, as well as a way to reframe the anxiety-inducing word “COVID-19” for your family.*
Compassion. Find time to give yourself compassion and grace when you’re feeling helpless and frustrated.
Observe. Notice the daily emotions that come up for you and your children and observe these feelings and write them down.
Validate. After you observe those feelings, validate and honor those feelings; they are all equal and part of your family’s experience.
Incorporate. Find time to incorporate activities that bring you joy, such as naps, TV, family bike rides, cuddles with pets, etc. These help to relieve daily stress and fears.
Discuss. Encourage your kids to have discussions with family, friends, and peers about how they are feeling. Some kids may choose to express this discussion in a nonverbal way and that is OKAY! Let them have a space to express and discuss, so they feel heard.
1 Pick ONE intention for the week and frame the intention to focus on how you want to feel by the end of that week. For example, “I intend to feel energized.” This may mean practicing mindfulness, chatting with a close friend, or stretching. Intentions will help you feel in control and motivate you to find things that bring you closer to your intention.
9 Identify NINE things you are grateful for right now as a family to bring a sense of wellness, positivity, and hopefulness.
We are thinking of you in this time and are here to support you. You can find additional resources for coping with COVID-19 from Mindful Journey here.
*COVID-19 Acrostic Resource modified from information from Wonder and Worries.
Maryam Munis, MS, LPC Intern, NCC
Supervised by Sarah E. Carlson, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, E-RYT 200, YACEP
maryam@mindfuljourneydfw.com
469.609.7137