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The sudden disruption of the family routine, lack of social and physical activity and fears related to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak can be especially stressful and anxiety-producing for children. The situation can be more difficult if parents are facing fears and anxiety of their own.
“Children often look to their parents or guardians and model their response to frightening situations after the adults around them,” says Margaret Lemp, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and the behavioral health consultant lead at TriHealth. “That’s why the most important thing parents can do in support of their children is to find their own methods of coping with difficult situations.”
Dr. Lemp says there are ways parents can help their children manage the stress of being isolated for a long period of time from friends, family and activities and places to which they are accustomed.
To help your children manage their anxiety during quarantine, she recommends the following:
Building resiliency will help your children manage now and in future times of stress. However, exposure to anxiety and stress over long periods can have a negative impact on the health of you and your children. Dr. Lemp encourages you find additional support if you feel it is needed, adding that the best place to start is by calling your doctor or your child’s pediatrician.