How to support your child’s mental health

One of the myriad implications of COVID-19 has been a rise in stress levels across the population. Parents and children alike are experiencing stress that accompanies changes in routines and expectations, and dealing with a novel situation. As adults, many of us have discovered ways to manage our anxieties, but our children need a little more help. Below are some tips to support the social-emotional well-being of our children during this pandemic.

1. FOLLOW A SCHEDULE: A schedule offers predictability and to an extent, it contributes to a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Create a schedule to help your children know what they can expect next. In addition to schoolwork, be sure to incorporate time for uplifting activities including art, music, exercise, and virtual playdates.
   
   
2. ASSIGN CHORES: This is a great way to teach children important life skills, which may have taken a backseat pre-COVID. Chores can range from responsibility for making one’s bed to helping with dinner. Chores should be developmentally appropriate, with older children being expected to complete more complex tasks. Don’t forget to acknowledge a job well-done, which will look different for each child. A little praise can go a long way, especially during these times!
   
   
3. DEDICATE A WORK SPACE: Having a dedicated work space that is tidy helps maintain a calm mind. Clutter and disorder in the physical space can contribute to chaos in the mental space. To the extent possible, ensure that your child’s workspace is in a central location where you can keep a watchful eye and answer any questions when needed.
   
   
4. DO A FEELINGS CHECK-IN: Take some time to communicate with your child about how they are feeling. Loneliness, boredom, frustration, and anxiety are some responses you may receive. Validate that such feelings are understandable in a situation like this and explore activities you can engage in to address these feelings.
   
   
5. CUT THEM SOME SLACK: Give your children (and yourselves) some leeway. Remember that some days will seem more productive than others, and that is OK. Make ‘compassion over compliance’ the new mantra and let go of anxiety producing thoughts about tasks one could have or should have accomplished. Instead, take pride in activities that were completed over the course of the day.

The article has been written by Dr Rukmini Currimbhoy who is a New York State licensed psychologist who specializes in working with children from birth through twenty-one. With close to two decades of training and experience from the United States, Dr Currimbhoy is an expert at providing parent and educator training, and she offers confidential counseling services for children and adolescents.