ICS shares top tips for parents to build resilience and manage anxiety about Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused uncertainty all over the world. For kids, this can lead to fear and worry. And for us parents, we should remember our children look to us for reassurance and cues on how to react and respond. Here, the folks at ICS have shared some strategies on how we can help our kids manage their anxiety during this time.
Remain positive and reassuring
As the saying goes, “Keep calm and parent on”. Your kids will react to and follow your cues so if you show anxiety or fear, your child is likely to feel the same way. Stick to your routine as much as possible but if you can’t, have calm and intentional talks with your kids around these changes. Whenever possible, avoid playing the blame game. It can be difficult when tensions are high but it’s important to see the positives in the face of all this. Talk about the upside of not having to wear a uniform everyday, or having extra time to spend with family.
Stick to the facts and be honest
We all know kids have pretty wild imaginations, which is why we need to keep them informed on a level they can understand. We should talk to them about how the virus spreads and what we can do to keep ourselves safe. Importantly, we should reassure our kids that Singapore is doing everything in its power to protect all of us. If they have additional questions, take a look at the Singapore Ministry of Health website together here.
Be mindful of your media consumption
Try to limit your child’s TV viewing and access to information from the internet and social media. At the same time, you should also be mindful of how much media you consume, too. Constantly watching out for updates can increase anxiety, so focus your energy on staying healthy instead. If you do go online, consider your sources and think before you share.
Maintain a normal school routine as much as you can
During school days, stick to a regular schedule (this should include physical activity, extracurricular activity and rest). Although online learning can be challenging, teachers are always looking into creative approaches to make the experience easier, as well as collaborative learning opportunities for students to work on together. If your child seems overwhelmed, do not push them to work harder; instead, contact your child’s school counsellor for support.
Be creative and know your coping strategies
Practise strategies for keeping calm and always think positive. Try and find out which coping strategies work for each family member, like singing, dancing, reading, drawing, creating a gratitude list, baking and so on.
What else can I do?
If your child still seems anxious, be assured this is a normal reaction, especially at a time like this. If you find that additional help is needed, please reach out to your child’s support system. This can include their teachers, principal, school counsellor or an outside counselling resource.
About ICS
Looking for a school with a diverse student population that provides a holistic education, spiritual values and a welcoming learning environment? Say hello to ICS! Its comprehensive American curriculum, from K4 to Grade 12, produces students who are global citizens, confident leaders, inspiring artists, competitive athletes and passionate scholars. Learn more about the school here.
This post is in partnership with ICS
