Across the world, peoples’ lives have been turned upside down by fears over the coronavirus. Events have been cancelled, restaurants are not allowing customers to dine in, and schools are closed. Although these changes are difficult for everyone, children may have an especially hard time coping. Children’s anxieties about what’s going on in the world may be especially intensified if they are also coping with their parents’ divorce or other family law-related disputes. Fortunately, there are many steps that parents can take to reassure their children and help them deal with their fears and anxieties.
Keep Regular Routines
Not going to school or extracurricular activities may seem like a vacation at first, but many children quickly grow tired of staying at home isolated from their friends and schoolmates. Children may also have significant fears about the virus itself. They may worry for their own safety as well as the safety of their parents or grandparents. One way to help children feel more secure is to keep your routines as normal and predictable as possible. Keeping a consistent bedtime, morning routine, household chore schedule, and other routines will help the children establish a sense of normalcy.
Limit Children’s Exposure to the News
The current news coverage of the coronavirus is scary to say the least. It is important that parents limit children’s exposure to upsetting media coverage. Although children deserve to know what is going on, the images of sick and dying coronavirus patients and other disturbing images on the news are only going to further frighten children. It may be best for parents to wait until their children are in bed or otherwise occupied before turning on the news.
Talk to Your Children About Their Concerns
Parents should discuss the situation with the children in an age-appropriate way and address any questions and concerns they have. It is very likely that your children may have heard rumors about the virus or have misinterpreted any news stories they have heard. You may need to address your children’s misconceptions about the virus and give them factual information. Above all, parents should reassure their children that they are still loved and will be taken care of no matter what happens.
Contact a Wheaton Family Law Attorney
If you have family law needs during this difficult time, contact Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC. Schedule a confidential consultation with a DuPage County family lawyer by calling us at 630-665-7300 today. To promote public safety, we are conducting most appointments over the phone or through videoconferencing at this time.
Sources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/parenting-new-generation/202003/reassuring-children-during-the-covid-19-pandemic
https://www.cdc.gov/childrenindisasters/helping-children-cope.html
