A Parental Guide To Support Their Child’s Mentality During COVID-19

# A Guide for Parents to Support Their Child’s Mental Health During COVID-19

**The current pandemic is a challenging and unsettling time for everyone, particularly parents. Navigating through a sea of misinformation online to find the best ways to ensure their children’s safety can be overwhelming.**

Children are also facing their set of difficulties during this time. The pandemic has seen a concerning increase in teen suicides, and studies show that 53% of working parents with children have had to take time off work each month to assist their child with mental health issues. What can be done to help improve this situation? Here are five strategies parents can adopt to support their children’s mental well-being during the COVID-19 era.

## 1. Engage in Positive and Enriching Activities

In the wake of past pandemics and even world wars, life continued. This is a valuable lesson that parents can impart to their children. Maintaining a regular routine can be a great way to illustrate this concept to your kids.

For parents involved in homeschooling, mimicking a traditional classroom setting as closely as possible, including virtual field trips, can be beneficial. There are numerous online resources available where children can engage in activities such as coding or knitting, applying their classroom knowledge to real-life scenarios or exploring new and exciting hobbies.

## 2. Embrace Outdoor Activities

Nature has a revitalizing effect on individuals. Research indicates that spending time outdoors can enhance mood and boost immunity, which is crucial during a pandemic. Children can benefit greatly from the fresh air and physical activities that the outdoors offer.

Taking your children to the playground can help them meet their daily exercise requirements. They can engage in activities like running, skipping, and playing freely. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), children aged 5 to 17 should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. Parents can also join in the physical activities, such as attempting monkey bar pullups or incorporating squats using a picnic bench.


## 3. Acknowledge and Assist in Processing Emotions

Children are not shielded from global events. Even with limited exposure to television at home, they are likely to come across conflicting messages outside. Some of these messages could instill fear in them.

It’s essential not to dismiss your child’s emotions with statements like “there’s nothing to worry about” or “don’t be scared.” Instead, acknowledge that feeling uncertain is normal and reassure them that adults experience fear at times too. Encourage them to communicate their feelings and help them navigate through their fears.

Brainstorming healthy ways to cope with these overwhelming emotions can be helpful. Suggest activities like coloring, journaling, or finding ways to help others in need.

## 4. Introduce Healthy Stress-Relief Techniques

Just as children are not immune to experiencing adult emotions, they are also capable of learning to manage their feelings in constructive ways. Acquiring stress-reduction techniques at a young age can equip them with coping mechanisms for various challenges throughout their lives.

For instance, even young children can practice deep breathing exercises and yoga. Schools that have introduced such programs as an alternative to punitive measures like detention have observed significant improvements in behavior.

By practicing mindfulness, children can distance themselves from anxieties about the future or dwelling on the past. Parents can teach them techniques such as body scans or savoring a small piece of chocolate mindfully.


## 5. Seek Professional Assistance if Needed

There is no shame in seeking professional help when necessary. The brain of a child is like any other organ, and when issues arise, appropriate treatment can set them on a path towards better mental health.

Thankfully, various assistance options are available, even if you do not have health insurance. You can explore the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) through the Marketplace, which provides access to free or low-cost services, including mental health support.

## Ways Parents Can Support Their Children’s Mental Health

Being a parent during a pandemic is challenging, and so is growing up amidst one.

As a parent, it is your responsibility to do your best in supporting your children through these difficult times. Follow the aforementioned tips to assist your child’s mental health during the COVID-19 era.