6 Strategies for Parenting During the COVID-19 Crisis

With the uncertainty of everything going on from job loss and not knowing what’s next for students, here are some strategies to deal with COVID-19 as a parent

Borrowed from Dr. Chinwé Williams, a Board-Certified and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Georgia.

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Regardless of how COVID-19 has personally effected you, below are some practical strategies that can help you navigate parenting during this current public health crisis.

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1. Look for Common Reactions

   While some kids may not appear to be impacted at all, others may be struggling to cope, but not verbalizing it.Anxiety, sadness, and boredom are all common reactions to big changes. For younger kids, it’s helpful to monitor extreme changes in their typical behavior or indications of regression such as bed wetting, thumb sucking, or excessive clinginess.
   

2. Help your child to feel safe and comforted

   Whether you’re parenting a preschooler or a high school senior, creating a sense of safety is imperative during a time of crisis. Kids need routine and predictability in order to feel safe. Keep regular meal and bedtimes. When helping with school assignments, encourage success by working at your child’s pace and alternating between study and play.
   

3. Prioritize Fun

   
   Play is valuable during uncertain times because it can fuel laughter, which generally decreases stress. Board games offer unique cognitive health benefits, as well as safe/distanced outdoor physical activities, and writing out feelings.
   

4. You Don’t Have to Know All The Answers
   
   Remain open to answering all questions and it is OK not to know all the answers. No one does.Calmly share what you do know and admit what you don’t. Give age appropriate information. Remind your child that he or she is brave and that your family is fully equipped to handle this crisis together.
   

5. Stay Connected

   Beyond a call or a text, there are other ways to stay connected. Consider allowing younger kids to connect virtually—while supervised—with peers via select social media platforms. Grandparents can experience virtual story time with younger kids. Google Hangouts or Marco Polo is a great way for older kids to video chat with friends while practicing social distancing.
   
   

6. Find Purpose in the Pause
   
   It’s important to guard not only your physical health, but also your mental health. Ward off negative thought spirals by avoiding “what-ifs” and practicing gratitude.
   
   Gratitude supports our immune health and helps to cultivate wellness.

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