|
|
|
The views expressed on this page are
solely
those of the author and do not
necessarily represent the views of County
News Online
|
|
Prevention Action Alliance
Know! To Reassure and Support Children During the COVID-19 Crisis
We know that for many tweens and teens, their social connectedness is
what drives them. When their social lives are not only disrupted but
literally stopped in their tracks, it can have devastating
consequences. At this point, the novelty of being out of school has
likely worn off, and the reality of social distancing has set in. And
while being six feet apart or hunkered down in our homes slows the
spread of this virus, the physical and mental implications can include
isolation and loneliness.
This ongoing isolation and loneliness can lead to depression, which can
in turn lead to numerous adverse mental health and physical impacts,
such as:
Feelings of sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness
Increased irritability
Changes in eating and sleeping habits
Feelings of fatigue—even after plenty of sleep
Trouble concentrating and completing assigned schoolwork
Aches and pains for no apparent reason (headaches, stomachaches, cramps)
New or increased use of alcohol or other drugs
Thoughts of self-harm, including suicide
Study after study shows the importance of social connectedness to one’s
physical and mental health. While experts typically encourage youth to
put down the electronics and enjoy in-person interactions, these are
unique circumstances. People of all ages are encouraged to grab their
electronic gadgets to get and stay connected.
Tweens and teens are experts at connecting with friends on social
media, by text, Facetime, or Skype, to name a few. But how about
challenging them to get creative with their virtual connections. They
could do a workout session with a group of friends via Google Hangout;
come up with an exercise contest made up of burpees, push-ups and
planks; jump rope together and see who can go the longest; or give
group yoga a try.
If the weather cooperates, encourage your teen or tween to take it
outside. They can remain at home or in their respective outdoor space
to maintain appropriate social distance. This way they can get some
fresh air, in addition to exercise and “facetime” with friends—three
big components to their health and wellness.
They can also connect virtually to watch movies, create a healthy meal,
or even go old school and simply just talk to each other.
Of course, too much time online is not a good thing either. There must
be balance. This is where the silver lining to this current situation
comes into play—the chance for families to slow down and spend more
quality time together.
Family Support Is Key
According to Search Institute, there are 40 Developmental Assets that
contribute to a child’s success in life. The first two assets listed
are family support and positive family communication:
Family Support = Family life provides high levels of love and support.
Positive Family Communication = Young person and his or her parent(s)
communicate positively, and young person is willing to seek advice and
counsel from parents.
Try not to think of this extra time and togetherness as merely time to
kill until we can all get back to our “normal” lives. Instead, consider
this an opportunity to connect with each other and strengthen ties with
your family. Try any one of these activities or make one of your own:
Take a walk or a bike ride with your children
Pop some popcorn and snuggle up on the couch to enjoy Netflix
Get crafty
Try a new recipe with your children
Have a family game night—always fun
Have everyone grab their favorite book and spend time relaxing together.
Mental Health America (MHA) typically references the statistic that 1
in 5 people will experience mental health issues at some point in their
lifetimes. However, MHA President and CEO Paul Gionfriddo says COVID-19
has turned our world upside down. Gionfriddo says that everyone—all
five in five—is likely to experience worry, isolation, loneliness, and
anxiety during this pandemic.
While positive connections with friends is hugely important in
preventing feelings of isolation and loneliness during this time, a
child’s positive connection with their parent(s) is monumental. With
all this in mind, we want to encourage our teens and tweens to maintain
those positive connections with their friends. At the same time, we
must take the lead to connect more with our children by engaging in
activities with them, talking with them daily, and keeping up to date
on how they are feeling about and dealing with their new “normal.” It
will go a long way for our children’s successful development, health,
and well-being both now and in the years to come.
|
|
|
|
