Helpful tips for kids dealing with stress during a crisis

Covid 19 is affecting our students. Even if children are not sick with the virus, they can show signs of stress that impact their behaviors and emotions.

It affects how their bodies feel with complaints of headaches and stomach aches.

Young children may want more attention with clinging to parents. There may be temper tantrums and melt-downs.

Older children may be more irritable, impulsive and find it harder to focus. They may want to sleep more or less. They may want to eat more or less. Screen time and home time limit physical activity.

But we absolutely need to talk to children about the reasons for staying at home.

- Ask them what they know about coronavirus.

- Correct any misinformation

- Listen carefully and answer on their level. This may be different for each child at their age.

- Explain in simple terms that they can understand. Ask them to explain back in their own words.

- Ask them to tell you what they are thinking about this. They may express signs of anxiety, fear, boredom, anger, worry and more. Or they may be happy to stay home with parents. All feelings are valid.

Anxiety may present as fear or worry, but can also make children irritable and angry. Anxiety symptoms can also include trouble sleeping, as well as physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or stomachaches. It is important to explore the reasons for the anxiety. With the correct support, you can help your child feel better and grow in confidence. The information below will give you tools to help when your child shows these signs.