By Sharon Fromm, Licensed Social Worker, SEMC

The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) may be stressful and invoke fear and anxiety in people, both young and old. There are things you can do and steps you can take to support yourself and your children during this challenging time.

For Your Kids: 

1.) Provide simple facts about what is going on. Give clear, child-friendly information about how to reduce risk of infection and stay safe in words they can understand.

2.) Show them how they can keep themselves safe. For example, show them effective handwashing while singing a song for 20 seconds.

3.) Avoid talking about rumors or unverified information in front of children. Children observe adult behaviors as a guide of how to manage their own emotions during a challenging time.

4.) Provide information about what is happening and what could happen in a reassuring, honest and age-appropriate way.

5.) Maintain familiar routines as much as possible, or create some new routines while staying home.

6.) Show them how you manage stress–such as listening to music, exercise, cleaning, organizing, keeping busy with a hobby, etc.

For You:

1.) Eat healthy meals and snacks, including fruits and vegetables, as much as possible.

2.) This may be your “new normal” for a while, but keep a routine as much as possible.

3.) Go for a walk or exercise. This is not only good for your physical health but your emotional health as well.

4.) Connect with loved ones, friends and coworkers by calling, emailing or communicating online.

5.) Minimize watching, reading or listening to news that causes you to feel anxious or distressed. Seek information updates at specific times each day, once or twice, from reputable news sources in order to help you distinguish facts from rumors.

6.) Organize a space and do some “spring cleaning.”

7.) Try meditation or relax by listening to your favorite calming music.

8.) Keep busy with your favorite hobby or start a new one.