The outbreak of Covid is not only a matter of concern for adults or elders but kids are also in the spotlight. Closing of schools might be a pleasant thing for the kids but getting stuck at home for a long duration, being isolated from friends are some things which can be a cause of stress for your kids. Since they are not much mature to handle stress effectively, it’s your responsibility to practice things that helps in reducing their stress and enhances their well-being. In this article, we’ve listed such tips that will help you in managing stress in kids.
TIPS FOR MANAGING STRESS IN KIDS
Here are some wonderful tips that will help you in managing stress in kids:
Help kids in online classes and homework
Schools have been shut due to the outbreak of this virus leaving the kids to complete their studies at home until schools open again. Studying online is a tough task for the kids which can disturb their mental health. Being stuck to the Mobile/Computer screens for long hours can interfere with their normal eyesight and increase stress in mind. It is important to help them with their homework and be there while they are attending classes to keep them calm.
Answer their questions about this pandemic
Watching frightening news about Covid can induce stress in your kids and make them scared. Many questions arise in their mind about the things happening around them. You should always be polite no matter how many questions they ask. It is your job to answer their questions. Follow good hygiene practices yourself which encourages them to follow. Educate them about the importance of sanitizing, washing hands, wearing a mask and staying at home.
Be in touch with loved ones
Like adults and elders, kids also worry about their friends, grandparents, and cousins, living alone or at high risk of getting diseased. Due to physical distancing, visiting them is not possible. Therefore, the best way to keep your kids in touch with their loved ones is by communicating with them over video calls and phone calls which will help ease their stress and anxiety.
Hug them frequently
Hugging your child is one of the most effective ways to calm down their stress and anxiety levels. Hug your kid multiple times in a day and tell them you love them and that you are proud of them. It will make them feel positive and decrease stress.
Feed them a healthy meal
Kids are more vulnerable to Covid due to their less strengthened immune system. It is also a major factor that can develop stress in kids. It is of utmost importance to feed your children a balanced and nutritious diet to strengthen their immune system and enhance the healthy functioning of their entire body. Add a sufficient portion of stress-reducing foods like bananas, nuts, avocados, green leafy veggies, etc to your kid’s plate to help them in getting rid of stress. Presentation is everything! Your child will only eat whatever is pleasing to their eye. You can add colourful fruits and vegetables on their plate.
Don’t behave rudely with kids
No matter what the situation is, make sure you are polite to your kids. In this pandemic, getting stuck at home all of a sudden makes them feel trapped which causes stress and they get irked. Kids are kids; they do not completely understand this sudden change. They need to be handled with love and care and allowed the time to adapt to these changes. Patience is the key.
Reward your kids
Reward your kids after they complete tasks like a school assignment, making their bed, throwing trash in the dustbin, or doing any other fruitful activity. Positive reinforcement is very important; it builds their confidence and motivates them to be self-dependent.
CONCLUSION
Kids need extra love and care and this need increases tenfold during the pandemic. It is of prime importance to surround kids with a happy and positive atmosphere in order to keep them motivated. Physical touch keeps little humans motivated. Shower you little ones with hugs and kisses and kind words. Practice these tips and life will seem a little easier. In the end, always remember that we are just human after all, we are going to mess up. Reset and move on!
