How Can We Keep A Positive COVID Result From Having A Negative Impact On Kids’ Mental Health

COVID has been a never-ending issue of debate for the past two years. What is the total number of persons that have been infected? What do we know about COVID's most recent variant? How can we safeguard ourselves and our children? What will the mental health consequences of living in a COVID world be? It's been exhausting, to be honest. To say the least, being a parent during this time has been a monumental task.

Not only are we scared about catching COVID ourselves, but we're also anxious about what would happen if our children do. Our littles will almost certainly get omicron, which is raging through our communities like a forest fire.

What's the good news? This form spreads more quickly, although it appears to be milder. What's the bad news? COVID is a word that conjures up images of rage, fury, and ugliness. So, what type of guilt, frustration, or other mental health effects may our kids encounter if (not if) they pick it up?

When adults declare we despise COVID, children hear "I despise the fact that my child has COVID." I'm upset that my child has been infected with COVID. We understand that it is not their fault. Even if they've taken safeguards, it's almost certain that it will happen at this point. However, we don't always communicate this as clearly as the kids require. So, as parents, how can we ensure that our children do not regard a positive test as a failure? What can we say to reassure them that it's not their fault and that they haven't done anything wrong?

Protecting Your Children’s Mental Health

If you're worried about your child's mental health before, after, or at any point during COVID exposure, there are a few things to keep in mind, according to experts. This isn't a comprehensive list, but it does contain some red signals.

Sleep Patterns or Regression in Behavior

Sleep deprivation is something that all of us experience when confronted with new difficulties, tensions, or fears. It's no different when you're living in the midst of a never-ending pandemic. Take notice if your child has problems sleeping or staying asleep, according to HealthyChildren.org. The more detailed information you can provide to a pediatrician, the more they will be able to assist your kid in returning to their usual schedule.

Unprovoked Distress or Loss of Interest

Right now, everything feels overwhelming. Your children have no idea if they'll encounter their classmates in person one day or if a week's worth of virtual sessions will turn into many months. It's nearly inevitable that you'll be upset. if things are going well and are somewhat balanced, but your child is still depressed, it may be time to have a talk. Is that overpowering sensation of despair due to the fact that everything we've been told about COVID has changed, or is it due to their feelings of failure as a result of catching COVID?

Have Open Conversations

"Kids feel powerful when they know how to keep themselves safe," says a child psychologist at the Child Mind Institute. Talking with them about what they can manage and what they can't can help to alleviate any negative sentiments they may have about developing COVID.

As we have stated, it is critical to clarify what we left out while making broad remarks condemning COVID's existence. Reassuring your children, maintaining an open line of communication, and letting them know they can come to you with any issues will improve their mental health.

Use Self-Care As Preventative Measure

Make sure your kids have an annual physical to keep their physical health in check, just like they get an annual physical to keep their physical health in check. Many schools have included mindfulness activities into their curricula. As a result, it's likely that your children already know a little about them.

Meditation, writing, or even something as simple as coloring together might be other self-care alternatives for your kids. This is something my daughters and I do all the time. And, to be honest, you might be surprised at how talkative they become about topics they previously avoided. it's difficult enough for our children to grow up in a world that is 99 percent upside down. However, assisting them in taking care of themselves and their feelings can only be beneficial. Don't disregard them if they get COVID and have strong and conflicted thoughts about it.

Assure them that they did nothing wrong and that situations happen that are beyond our control from time to time. When we live in a world where everything may change at any minute, all we can do is our best.