Children in our community can be impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19 at emotional, physical, and social level, especially their usual routine has been changed with school closures. Parents can also experience increased level of stress due to change in routine, work, and childcare arrangement. Here is the information from CDC and other resources for children and adolescents during this difficult time.
Symptoms of Stress and Anxiety in Children and Adolescents
- Excessive crying and/ or irritation in younger children
- Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (bedwetting, toileting accidents)
- Excessive worry and sadness
- Unhealthy eating and/ or sleeping habits
- Increased irritability and acting out behaviors in adolescents
- Difficulty with attention and concentration
- Avoidance in activities enjoyed in the past
- Unexplained headaches or body pain
- Use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
Ways to Support Your Child and Yourself
- Take time to talk with them, answer questions, and share facts about COVID-19
- Reassure your child(ren) that they are safe, and it is okay to feel upset
- Share your strategy to manage anxiety and stress
- Limit exposure to inaccurate information, media, news
- Try to keep up with regular routines and create a schedule
- Be a role model and exercise healthy ways of coping own stress/ anxiety
- Encourage them to engage in activity* that they enjoy while practicing social distance
- Connect with social support
- Contact health care/ behavioral health care provider to seek additional assistance
Activities for Children during Home Bound*
Visual Exhibits for Online Learning and Fun by Ohio Department of Health – Click here
Family and Community Support Toolbox by Ohio Department of Education – Click here
Family Activities to Do During COVID-19 – Click here
Ohio Digital Library – Click here
Resources for Helping Children and Adolescents
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Click here
Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress Department of Psychiatry – Click here
Child Mind Institute – Click here
Ohio Department of Health – Click here
Center for Disease Control and Prevention – Click here