· MANAGE YOUR OWN ANXIETY – Take steps to calm your own anxiety through deep breathing and by keeping things in perspective. Changing the way you think will change the way you feel.
· BE HONEST – Kids hear about what is happening or sense that things are different around them. Hiding information from them will only put their imaginations into overdrive and increase their anxiety. Discuss what is happening and answer their questions in a simple, age appropriate way. Knowledge is power.
· VALIDATE – Dismissing, ridiculing, or minimizing their concerns will lead to them feeling like they are not being heard or understood. Listen to and validate their big feelings. Children feel safe & secure when they feel seen & heard. Also let them know that many people all over the world are working to keep people safe and healthy. Everyone is working together to help keep people from getting sick. Share examples of things we are doing to help, such as kids not going to school and people avoiding large crowds.
· CREATE A SENSE OF PREDICTABILITY – The unknown and unpredictability fuel anxiety. Talk about things that will stay the same…things in their daily routine or environment.
· CREATE A SENSE OF CONTROL – Remind them that worrying is okay. It is how our brain protects us and keeps us safe. By turning their worrying into a superpower, kids can tackle or change things that are within their control…keeping their hands clean and away from their face, staying away from people who are coughing or sneezing. Point out that these actions will not only help them, but will also help others around them stay healthy.
· BREATHE - When worrying about something that hasn’t happened yet, use mindfulness or grounding techniques to stay in the moment. Label the thought…Name the feeling…Let it go. Teach kids to blow away the worry bubbles.
· KEEP BUSY – It is harder to worry or feel anxious when keeping busy, especially with fun, productive, pleasurable activities. Help kids find a balance between academic work, structured activities, unstructured play, outdoor activities. Create opportunities for them to be helpful to others.
· REMEMBER, those who are prone to anxiety may have a harder time coping. Reach out for help and support.
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