The Coronavirus - Effective Tips On How To Support Your Child And Reduce Their Anxiety

The situation can be overwhelming. We are here to support you through this hard time. In our dedicated coverage on https://www.parentcircle.com/corona-out-family-in/ you will get the latest updates on the virus, tips on how to keep your child calm during the storm, activity ideas for the family during the lockdown, and more. Follow our campaign #TogetherAtHome on all our platforms.

Here are some useful excerpts from our articles.

How to deal with your child's anxiety about Covid-19:

1. Educate yourself: Before you talk to your child about the coronavirus, educate yourself about how the disease is transmitted, and how it affects the infected person.
2. Keep your own emotions in check: Try not to show your anxiety. When you tell your child, "You must wear a mask. If you don't, you will get infected", you are communicating your anxiety to your child.
3. Find out what your child already knows: Talk about the coronavirus when you and your child are feeling relaxed. Ask open-ended questions to understand what they know and think about it. Let your child drive the conversation.
4. Respond to questions in an age-appropriate manner: Answer whatever questions your child may have, but don't overwhelm them with unnecessary information.
5. Listen and reassure: Assess if your child has any fears and worries like why they can't go to school or why they can't play Holi with water. It is important to listen to and acknowledge their worries. Share objective and age-appropriate information. Keep the TV news switched off to avoid building anxiety in your child.
6. Spend time with your child: Your child may experience loneliness. Encourage your child to keep in touch with friends via phone calls or messages. If you're home-bound, brainstorm with your child and make a list of enjoyable things to do. Infuse fun into your regular household chores.
7. Help your child take charge: Give information that helps them feel in control. Allow your child to help make the rules that will keep you all safe at home.
8. Keep your messages positive: Talk about all the efforts being made in your city or country to keep people safe and healthy. Reassure your child that experts are involved in developing vaccines and medications to contain the virus.

Useful articles on ParentCircle.com to help your family during the crisis:

Help! My Child Is Terrified Of The Corona Monster  https://bit.ly/2JbXd3K

How To Talk To Your Child About The Coronavirus https://bit.ly/2QG1xfQ

COVID-19 FAQs For Families  https://bit.ly/33O70Xq

60 Fun Things To Do With Toddlers https://bit.ly/2Jd0ZKa

Top 50 Creative Activity Ideas For Kids  https://bit.ly/3bkhErm

60 Fun Things To Do With Young Children https://bit.ly/2xny9o0

Inexpensive Ways To Entertain Your Kids At Home https://bit.ly/3aftx1H

60 Fun Things To Do With Tweens And Teens  https://bit.ly/3djUvap

5 Things You Should Never Say to An Anxious Child:

1. Don't worry. Its going to be okay.
2. There's nothing to fear.
3. You are always worrying about everything.
4. You are so anxious all the time.
5. I can't understand why you are so scared or worried.

Phrases to Calm an Anxious Child:

1. I understand
2. Tell me how you feel
3. It's okay to be scared
4. I feel scared too
5. Tell yourself, "Yes, I can do this"! Or "Its going to be okay".
6. Close your eyes and think about something that makes you happy
7. Take a deep breath and count to 10
8. Give me a hug

We also have interesting activities to make your child excited about staying indoors. Be prepared for calm, informed and relaxed days ahead as we walk together with you for as long as it takes.

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