Coronavirus: How to keep your kids mentally healthy during the pandemic

The pandemic has affected us all in one way or another. With a rise in the number of pediatric COVID-19 cases and added dangers children face, staying home, even for the kids has become an incredibly daunting task. Without vaccines in sight and no school, prolonged separation from the outside world and not being able to meet their friends and lack of routine might even impact their mental health more deeply than we can imagine. As per statistics, there has been a shocking rise in the number of kids experiencing stress and anxiety during the second wave of the pandemic- with over 30% kids undergoing some form of mental health issues.

Being mentally fit and stable is just as important as a good diet and lifestyle is, and keeps the immunity in good shape. As for the kids, resilience and mental well-being, if inculcated from the start can definitely help them sail through trying times like these.

So, while we still wait for COVID-19 vaccines for children to arrive, what should parents be doing during this hard time to keep your child mentally stable?

The pandemic is not easy for any of us and little kids can have a stressful time going through the same. So, begin by firstly having a conversation with your child. You need to ask how they feel and what they are going through currently. Let them express their issues and grief.

Try to keep things normal as much as you can, like regular meal times, a fixed bedtime. Keeping things similar to the time before this pandemic can make them deal with this much more easily.

Get creative with them and try to induce more and more extracurricular to keep them mentally healthy. Even if you have your own hectic work schedules and commitments, try and take time out to engage with your child, and participate in activities so that they do not feel left out anyway.

Being stuck all day at home has led to an increase in their screen time because that’s all they have access to in this current scenario. Being a parent, you need to keep a check on what they should be exposed to online. Spending too much time on screen and not interacting with people can lead to social withdrawal. It can have a dangerous impact on the mental health of your child. You need to keep monitoring what information about Covid-19 is accessible to your child, as content meant for adults can cause anxiety and major behaviour changes in your child.

Connect more with your child. Make sure to create a bond with them. Help them connect with their peers and with relatives. These types of small connections can help them with their suffering.

Keep an eye on your child’s behavioural changes. Staying in their rooms more, changes in sleep patterns, change in appetite, more irritability can be signs of depression your kid is going through. Trauma, depression and grief are quite different for all of us. If you think that your child needs professional help, ask for one. Be accepting of your child’s fears.

It is important to reassure your child. Say ‘I love you’ more often and keep them close to you. But make sure you don’t be overly attached to them. Be open to proper conversations and be a pillar of support for them.