#Thread

#CovidAnxiety

#Children

#India

My attempt to help reduce or prevent excessive anxiety about pandemic at home and in children.

I get many phone calls about children getting really worried about Covid illness. Some cry a lot, some become restless and irritable, some put restrictions on movement of people and goods at home, sleep and appetite disturbance is common too.
When it comes to anxiety in children,

symptoms are varied and mixed.

How can adults help children in such situation?

Here is a short list of actions to help children worried about Covid -

1. You know your child and your family the best. If there are members who are prone to worry then you need to be more careful.

2. Reducing assault of anxiety - pandemic discussions are best avoided in front of worried kids. If adults appear normal and relaxed, it helps the child a lot.
TV is a definite no-no as you all are aware of the garbage thrown at you in so called news.
If you don't want diarrhoea,

you shouldn't drink from gutter (old jungle saying :). )

3. There is no need to wash your hands constantly / repetitively if you are at home. Unless you step out and touch things outside, handwashing is not needed.

4. You don't need to sanitize hands all the time. A bottle

near the entrance to sanitize your hands as you step in from outside is enough.

5. Young children may want to be near you or sleep with you. It is okay unless seriously uncomfortable/inconvenient for you.

6. Letting children engage in physical play/exercidlse in permitted areas is excellent stress buster.

7. Regular hours of sleep and waking helps a lot.

8. When child asks worried questions, answers should be truthful, brief (very important) and delivered with a smile and hug.

9. Assuring the child that we are okay and safe at home is important. Some children need frequent reassurance , it must be given without anger or irritation.
Your calm, relaxed, assuring voice is effective against child's anxiety.

10. If you feel overwhelmed by your own or child's anxiety , seek help from a qualified counsellor.

Summary - stop junk media diet, get regular schedule and exercise, play & fun, stay calm.

Good luck.

#Jaihind