Sonya Addison, MD, is board certified in Internal Medicine, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, and holds a certification by the American Society of Hypertension. She currently practices Endocrinology at Boone Medical Group Diabetes and Endocrinology in Columbia, Mo. This column is for educational and entertainment purposes, and is not meant to replace the advice of your personal medical team.

Grown-ups are not the only ones who need to cope with the novel coronavirus. Our kids also need help during these uncertain times. Schools have been out of session for several weeks, and Governor Parson just announced that all schools will remained shuttered for the remainder of the academic year. 

Children are very perceptive – they know that something big is happening. Just like us, they see the news on TV, many use social media, and now they are seeing people wearing masks. They sense the anxiety that is undoubtedly affecting us adults. I’m going to discuss a few ways to approach the pandemic with children.

Symptoms of stress or anxiety in children can vary greatly. Some are openly anxious and express their fears. Others may withdraw and be more quiet than usual. Younger children may cling to parents. Insomnia, nightmares, fatigue, restlessness, or difficulty concentrating may develop. Learned habits may revert. Toilet trained children may have accidents or wet the bed.  School-aged children might slide backwards in learning. Adolescents may develop dangerous habits such as smoking, drug or alcohol use, or start to harm themselves by cutting.

First and foremost, be sure to talk about the coronavirus. Keeping quiet while the world is changing will increase anxiety in kids. They need to know what is going on. This is our chance to explain the facts, rather than the fear, surrounding COVID-19.  

Be age appropriate. Don’t sit down and try to explain the pathophysiology of the virus to a seven-year-old. Let them lead the conversation. Start by asking “what are you curious about?” or “what questions do you have?”. Focus on answering their questions in a simple, but positive tone. Try to not to get too in-depth with your answers. Your goal is to inform them, keep them calm, and help them cope, not to raise anxiety and create even more questions. 

Answer their questions with facts, not with fear-driven media reports. You will need to research these facts. Be sure to use a credible source such as websites for the CDC or the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Do not rely on grim news reports, social media, or hearsay. Preparing yourself with positive and factual answers will also help with any anxiety that you may be having. It will force you look at this pandemic in a healthier way, as well. 

Children will sense any anxiety that you have. Be sure that you are taking steps to cope. If your anxiety level is high, then take a break. Meditate, do breathing exercises, or otherwise calm yourself down before interacting with the children. It’s not just your tone of voice or what you say that shows your anxiety. Be mindful of your actions. Cleaning every surface in the house several times may invoke fear in a child. Managing your own anxiety will absolutely help your kids.

Try not to focus on the “scary stuff.” Limit your child’s exposure to news broadcasts and social media. Kids are usually very self-centered, so they may be worried about their own heath. Remember that children are less likely to catch COVID-19. If your child is worrying about getting sick or dying, simply explain that most people who catch this will recover. 

Reassure them by focusing on what your family is doing to prevent illness. Make handwashing a family affair, teaching them the proper technique as you go. Explain that people are wearing masks for protection, not necessarily because they are sick. Remind them that we are staying home because it is the safest place right now. Sometimes just a simple reminder that their home is safe will alleviate anxiety.

Giving children some power over the situation may also help. Help them feel pride in staying home and washing hands. Make them the “superhero.” When they catch a cough in their elbow or help you clean the door handles, they are protecting others, such as grandma and grandpa.

Children need a routine, and this pandemic has been anything but. Keep a wake-up time and a bedtime. Have them get dressed (sorry, we can’t wear jammies all day), brush their teeth, and eat their meals at regular times. Set times for school work and stick to them. Have a designated space for school work, such as an office or the dining room table. 

Have scheduled breaks. Kids need time to move, relax, and refresh their brains. Be sure that younger students have at least two or three 20-30 minute recess breaks. Send them outside! Let them run off energy in the fresh air and sunshine.

If your child is having a particularly rough day, then take a break and do something fun. Go for a hike. Identify leaves, bugs, and millipedes. Go fishing. Play in the dirt. Plant flowers. Play. Make dandelion jelly or bake cookies. You can turn these activities into learning opportunities in a less stressful manner.

If your child has continued or worsening anxiety or stress, please call his or her health care provider.

We are in a strange and unfamiliar time.  Helping children cope with COVID-19 is challenging. Talk to them, answer their questions, don’t over-inform, manage your own stress, keep a routine, and try to make some memories. This too, shall pass. One day, we’ll look back and say “remember when…”

Sonya Addison, MD, is board certified in Internal Medicine, Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, and holds a certification by the American Society of Hypertension. She currently practices Endocrinology at Boone Medical Group Diabetes and Endocrinology in Columbia, Mo.  This column is for educational and entertainment purposes, and is not meant to replace the advice of your personal medical team.