It doesn’t need to be said that 2020 was a year of change, tumult and stress. We are hopeful that 2021 brings change, and even this year has started with a bang, from civil unrest in the capital to continued focus on the global COVID pandemic, which is effecting families in numerous ways.

Anxiety is a part of life, even in a typical year. We all feel stress. Often adults believe that children have little to worry about, but the contrary is true. Take a minute to consider all of the new experiences children have each day in addition to the global information they are absorbing. Now, consider how you, as an adult, handle stressful situations, either short term or long term stress. Even adults struggle to handle stress appropriately at times and we have had years to practice strategies to calm our bodies and minds.

Consider this. . .

Validate feelings: Telling your child not to worry about their fears may only make them feel like their emotion is somehow “wrong.” Let them know it’s okay to feel bad about something, and encourage them to share their emotions and thoughts. Try – “You’re feeling really worried about that. Can you tell me more?”

Listen: You know how comforting it can feel when someone just listens to you. Do the same for your child. Eliminate judgement and advice. Just be by your child’s side. Give a hug. Remind them that you love and support them.

Offer comfort and distraction: Offer to spend time with your child doing something that they really enjoy, just to get their mind off their worries for a while. Snuggle, read a book, toss the ball around, go on a hike, etc.

Get outside: Exercise is a great mood booster and fresh air can really clear the mind. Make it a routine to get outside every day.

Stick to routines: Easier said than done during this time of uncertainty and change, when so many things are out of our control. When children feel worried for any reason, one of the easiest things we can do as caregivers is to maintain routines. Routines help children feel safe. Try hard to stick with regular bed times and meal times.

Limit your child’s exposure to upsetting news or stories: Children pick up on so much. If you watch or listen to the news while your children are present, keep in mind that they may be processing the information quite differently. You may consider checking in with them. “What do you think about what we just heard?”

Consult a clinical therapist or your pediatrician: If you suspect that a change in the family, such as a new sibling, a move, divorce, or a death is causing your child anxiety, seek advice. Not only can a professional work with your child, but they may also be able to provide support to you, so that you have strategies for speaking with your child more easily.

Set a calm example: Notice how you handle stress. Tone it down when your children are present. Model problem solving. This too is easier said than done when we are also experiencing high levels of stress.

Check out this timely read aloud of THE BREAKING NEWS by Sarah Lynne Reul https://youtu.be/V-U3lF5Ei_E