{"id":51465,"date":"2020-03-18T14:34:29","date_gmt":"2020-03-18T21:34:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/world.edu\/?p=51465"},"modified":"2020-03-18T14:35:05","modified_gmt":"2020-03-18T21:35:05","slug":"4-ways-to-help-kids-relax-as-the-coronavirus-upends-everyday-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/world.edu\/4-ways-to-help-kids-relax-as-the-coronavirus-upends-everyday-life\/","title":{"rendered":"4 ways to help kids relax as the coronavirus upends everyday life"},"content":{"rendered":"

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1. Establish a solid routine<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The best way to protect children from experiencing\u00a0anxiety is to keep life as normal as possible<\/a>. Even though children are no longer following their usual school day routines, you can establish and follow a new routine at home.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no one right way to structure the day in these circumstances. Decide as a family what age-appropriate daily schedule everyone will follow on weekdays and weekends and try to stick to it as best you can. Brainstorm together the best way that kids \u2013 and everyone else \u2013 can get some exercise, complete schoolwork and stay connected with friends and teachers. Staying active and engaged will help\u00a0ward off boredom<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Make an effort to cook and\u00a0eat as many meals as you can together<\/a>\u00a0as a family. Eating together as a family benefits children in many ways. It boosts communication within a household,\u00a0improves nutrition<\/a>\u00a0and increases\u00a0well-being<\/a>\u00a0all around.<\/p>\n

Try to watch TV shows and movies as a group instead of having everyone do that on their own.<\/p>\n

2. Restrict news consumption and ward off misinformation<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Widespread\u00a0misinformation and fear<\/a>\u00a0about the new coronavirus is stoking anxiety. Even people turning to reliable sources can find the the 24\/7 news cycle anxiety-provoking when\u00a0everything happening sounds bad or scary<\/a>.<\/p>\n

To address these problems, children should watch or listen to the news with their parents but only in moderation. Parents should immediately address any questions or concerns their kids may have in a developmentally appropriate manner.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important for parents to monitor their child\u2019s access to the news, limit news consumption at home, and consciously choose the best ways for their family to keep up with current events. One way to protect kids from getting too much information is for parents to read or listen to the news privately using headphones or individual devices. Try not to watch TV news or listen to the radio or podcasts that everyone will hear or watch in the living room, kitchen or other shared spaces.<\/p>\n

Remember if you don\u2019t explore your child\u2019s questions with them, someone else \u2013 possibly an\u00a0unreliable source on the internet<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 will.<\/p>\n

3. Monitor and minimize your own anxiety<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Children\u00a0learn anxious behaviors from their parents<\/a>. Taking the time to address your own worries and decrease your anxiety will benefit everyone around you. Luckily, there are relaxation skills that anyone can use to decrease their anxiety and the negative impact of everyday stress. Those with high levels of stress and anxiety or low mood may benefit the most.<\/p>\n

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Methods to help reduce anxiety<\/span><\/h4>\n

These techniques are worth trying when kids and people of all ages feel stressed out.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Method<\/td>\nWhen<\/td>\nHow<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Deep Breathing<\/td>\nAnytime<\/td>\nRepeat these steps 3 times: Place one hand on your chest and one hand on your stomach. Take a deep breath through your nose moving only the hand on your stomach, hold it for 3 seconds, slowly exhale through your mouth for 3 seconds.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Meditation and yoga<\/td>\nAs part of a daily or weekly routine<\/td>\nOptions are numerous. Beginners can download a guided meditation app or watch YouTube videos. Practice independently or as a family.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Grounding<\/td>\nMoments of severe anxiety or panic<\/td>\nFirst, identify one thing you can see, hear, touch, and smell in the room you\u2019re in. Second, describe the room in great detail. Third, choose an object, hold it in your hand, study it carefully, and describe it to yourself in great detail.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

This is a great time for the family to practice deep breathing, meditation and yoga, and other skills found to decrease anxiety. Begin practicing when everyone is relatively calm, such as before bed, and later practice using the skills during times of more stress, like after watching a particularly negative news story.<\/p>\n