Today pediatricians, parents, and educators are all expressing great concern for the
welfare of our children. The crisis caused by the COVID-19 virus, while it does not
appear to be particularly harmful to most children, has nevertheless impacted their lives
in countless ways. News reports bring discouraging reports of a rise in suicides in all
age groups due to Covid. It would seem no age group is immune from the stressful
effects of this virus.
For children, there appears to be a growing sense of isolation and frustration as they try
to navigate the learning process, sometimes alone in their home, over a computer,
rather than in a school classroom with their teacher and classmates. So often they
cannot even meet with their friends — to play in the case of the younger children, or to
just “hang out.” This increases the feeling of isolation—particularly with teenagers for
whom friends are so vital. However, studies have shown that even the younger children
are feeling the isolation and it is having a detrimental effect on those age groups too.
So what are some of the healthy ways we can help children during this time without
exposing them, or other family members to this potentially deadly virus? To begin with,
we need to reassure our children by our words and our actions, that they are loved and
that they are important in our lives. Explain at an age-appropriate level exactly what the
virus is and why we need to isolate for now. Stress to them that this is a temporary
phase the world is having to go through, reassuring them that life will return to normal
again. As parents it is vitally important that we maintain an upbeat, hopeful attitude
when in the presence of our children. They watch our every move and take their cues
from us.
Encourage contact with their close friends—for younger children you could encourage
them to contact their friends on FaceTime or Google Meets, for instance. This way they
can see and talk with their friends. Birthday parties, always a big and exciting event for
younger children, can still be held. Set aside a specific time on the day of their birthday
for everyone to see and wish them a Happy Birthday. For example, have the child
stand outside so their friends and extended family can drive by, waving, and wishing
them Happy Birthday (and drop off presents!). For teenagers, perhaps discuss who
they consider their closest friends and see if perhaps they can visit with them in a safe
environment to ease the sense of isolation. Be creative, think of other ways you may be
able to increase joy and connectedness especially during holidays and special events.
These few ideas will help our children thrive in spite of the challenging circumstances
and prepare them to have a resilient spirit throughout their lives.
Author: Elder Bryce Pascoe
