COVID-19 has been the most difficult thing people of this generation has had to go through. Kids and children are stuck at home, feeling lonely and depressed. But how can you keep your children safe and ensure that they don’t get depression from being isolated, away from their family and friends?
The first and most important thing you must address in this situation are the fears that your child may have. They may or may not be afraid of the pandemic; their fears may have a lot to do with the isolation, or if the world will stay like this forever, if things will ever go back to normal. Take the time to talk with your child and really address them. Be honest with them about it, but reassure them in the process. The most important thing is to get them to talk about it, not keep it buried inside.
Along that same note, make sure that your child talks to you about how they feel. In a time when everyone has to stay at home all the time, keeping emotions buried is the most emotionally unhealthy thing they can do. That will build up into depression or worse, so you want to make sure they’re open about the way they feel; if they’re disappointed that they can’t have a sleepover, or go hang out with their friends.
Be creative in coming up with activities to keep them occupied. Boredom can be a huge problem if they’re home all the time. Help them think of creative ways to hang out with their friends online and other ways to keep them occupied at home.
And finally, stay in touch with your loved ones. Let them talk to their friends online on video chats and safe conferences. Even consider having an online hangout party of some sort, so that your child still feels as if they’re doing something important—this is vital during holidays and birthdays.
Remind them that you love them and give your child lots of love during this difficult time!
