The novel corona virus that causes respiratory disease COVID-19 has made headlines for several weeks and has dramatically affected life as we know it. The recent outbreak, which the World Health Organization called a pandemic, has disrupted global trade, shaken the US stock market, and led to travel restrictions and international border closings. Major events have been canceled here in the United States to slow the spread of the corona virus, education systems use online forums, and organizations recommend that employees do teleworking. Medical providers offer telehealth services, and places of worship examine alternatives to personal services. On March 13, President Trump declared a national emergency that could lead to additional restrictions.
The Corona Virus and Child Mental Health
Global fear is great and our customers are negatively affected when they stock up and prepare for the unknown. Meanwhile, in the midst of chaos, the children strive to understand everything they see and hear. Children are overwhelmed by information and react in different ways. Professionals who work with children report an increase in insomnia, rumination, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and behaviors.
"After twenty years of successful class management, it's hard for me to get the attention of children who are so exhausted," said Steff Linden, pedagogue and yoga teacher for child awareness in Annapolis, Maryland. “They run around, stumble over themselves and bump into each other. These behaviors are examples of children who are overexcited. They know something is going on, but they don't know how to react, and they feel helpless and stuck. "
Children cannot escape the tensions caused by the virus crisis and create an understanding that is often made more difficult by misinformation. "I had a child who put his finger in my arm and shouted:" You have the corona virus! I touched you! Linden reports.
Children play out their fears through behavior and play. It is therefore important to address your concerns in a calming and honest manner. Here are some tips to help children talk about the corona virus: The acronym CAPES.
C : Create a quiet environment. Children perceive the feelings of adults around them. Adults have to cope with their fear before trying to address children's concerns. It is important to create a calm environment before speaking to children about COVID-19.
A: Ask what you already know. Children are already talking about the virus. They may contain misinformation that needs to be corrected. Do you ask children what they heard about the virus? Ask them about their concerns and fears. Children tend to be concerned about their own safety and those in their immediate world such as friends, family members and even pets.
P: Provide age-appropriate answers. Answer the children's questions with honest, factual and age-appropriate answers. Provide unbiased answers. Explain that COVID-19 is caused by a new virus and that people with cough and fever get sick. Help fight the stigma of a particular population by stressing that the coronavirus is not caused by a person or a country.
E: Strengthen them with tools. Children feel powerless because of this huge virus that people use to buy toilet paper and Clorox towels. Provide them with the actual tools that empower them by teaching them to wash their hands with soap and water while singing a happy tune for 20 seconds, coughing or sneezing – not in their hands – or in a handkerchief they immediately throw the trash in and don't use contact greetings like jazz hands or namaste.
S : Security. Children turn to adults to feel safe and comfortable. Reassure the children that it is not their job to worry about the virus and that you have a plan to take care of them. Explain how to protect them by making sure they get enough sleep and provide them with nutritious meals. Tell them that their regular visits to the pediatrician and the daily vitamin (if they take one) help keep them healthy. Also provide a daily structure for school closures that includes time for non-directional play so that children can act and process emotions. Help them make a list of how they are healthy and safe. There are many unknowns with COVID 19, so focus your conversation on what is known.
As consultants, we can help parents and our childrens customers better manage the wealth of information available. We can assure children that adults in their lives are ready to take care of them. The acronym CAPES can remind us how we can effectively be superheroes to the powerless young members of society.
And as always, we have to remember our own self-sufficiency in this challenging time. Take a look at my thoughts on the guide of a consultant for surviving the flu season in my column from February 2018 "The advisory expert: Compassion and self-care during the flu season".
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Important links:
COVID-19 Update and Counseling Today Resources
COVID-19 related resources of the American Counseling Association
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Cheryl Fisher
Cheryl Fisher is a licensed clinical professional advisor in private practice in Annapolis, Maryland. She is the director and assistant professor for the online MA in clinical counseling at the Alliant International University California School of Professional Psychology. Her research interests include studying sexuality and spirituality in young women with advanced breast cancer; nature-informed therapy; and geek therapy. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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