8 tips to help kids cope during isolation | CarePortal

For many of us not on the frontlines, we have entered a slower season of life faced with its new kind of challenges. This disruption and change in routine can be particularly stressful for children to cope with. They are looking to adults to see how we are adjusting to this “new normal.” We wanted to share some tips below on how we are making the most of this experience for the whole family while in isolation.

1. Maintain a routine. Continue the kids’ normal routine to the best of your ability. Keep it consistent so they know what to expect from day-to-day.
2. Make new memories and traditions. Now is the perfect time to break out those puzzles and boardgames. Start a weekly family game night and keep it going after this has passed.
3. Get outside. Take this extra time to get some much needed Vitamin D, explore and learn about nature. It’s important for all of us to get our bodies up and moving.
4. Slow down. While maintaining a routine is crucial, so is flexibility. Each day will face new challenges and it’s important to take a break. Put away your phone, computer and tablets. Enjoy this extra time together. Read books. Talk. Go on walks. Play. A slower pace of life is not a bad thing.
5. Pray. Teach your kids how to pray for the sick, the frontline workers, those who lost their jobs and vulnerable children and their families. Prayer is the safest, most powerful tool we have at all times.
6. Stay connected. Being isolated away from loved ones for an extended period of time is not good for anyone. Set up some time to video chat with grandparents, friends and other family members. Attend virtual church. Make and send cards. Cook together and drop off meals for those who have been quarantined.
7. Practice gratitude. While some days it may not feel like it, we all have a lot to be grateful for. Talk to your kids about what they are grateful for and help them remain positive.
8. Make them feel loved and safe. This is probably the most important tip we have. We’re all scared and overwhelmed right now. Talk to your kids about how they are feeling. Acknowledge what is happening and provide age appropriate explanations. Reassure them that they are so loved and everything is going to be okay.

We hope these tips help you and your kids get through this period of isolation and build skills to cope with future life stressors. If your child is particularly struggling to cope, we recommend reaching out to their pediatrician to discuss. We will all get through this together.

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