Effective Coping Skills For Children With Anxiety
The COVID-19 pandemic has temporally and in some instances permanently altered the lives of children and families. Among the changes were those associated with loss of loved ones, loss of structured routines and isolation from peers. For a number of children this has manifest in anxiety, discontent and in some cases loss of academic and developmental progress. As caregivers and loved ones, it is important to empower children with coping skills to aid them in this emotional journey through the pandemic.
Here are some coping skills to teach children that are of benefit in these unique times and for one’s lifetime.
Practice deep breathing. Slow deep breaths and the use of child friendly visual aids such as a balloon to help.
Encourage physical activity. A minimum of 1 hour of free play will reduce stress and promote endurance. Free play might include playing outside or practicing yoga.
Promote optimism through gratitude for family, friends, and interests.
Allow for healthy expression of feelings through the creative outlets of art, literature or formally in counseling.
Connect and stay connected. Engage in the use of media to maintain connections and when permitted by health status continue physical interaction.
Maintain a routine. Mimicking the structure of prepandemic academics, family time, diet and extracurriculars is important. If there was a disruption, attempt to reinstate the routine.
Teaching and the practice of these coping skills with children can be empowering and lead to better acceptance of the pandemic’s influence on our lives. Be compassionate and love your child to reduced anxiety with coping skills as an effective tool.
Childverse Inc. navigates the mental health care system for children to find you resources that help treat conditions with evidence based care & therapy. Contact our professional advisors today at (256) 809-8328.
