Coronavirus: Child and Adolescent Psychology

Currently, information about COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in the world and in our country and new questions are emerging. As a parent, your first concern is how to protect and care for your children and family.

Although research shows that the coronavirus may not affect children as severely as adults, the COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting the lives of children around the world and causing our children's schools to close, It causes strict hand washing rules, disruption of routine, and a general feeling of fear and uncertainty.

Each child may react completely differently and experience different emotions during the process. This will depend on the temperament of the child and his parents. No matter how children react, you can help your children cope with the process in a healthier way with some things you can do.

How to Take Precautions About Coronavirus with Children and Young People?

Children and young people While they may not seem to be following virus news carefully, they are likely experiencing the information and stress from adults. They may have heard this information from friends and made their own conclusions about the disease. Rather than leaving this education to siblings, the media, or friends, you adults play an important role in helping children and teens better understand what is happening and manage their own anxiety. We can help our children manage their stress and emotions throughout this pandemic. Here are some helpful tips for different age groups:

 

Early Childhood

 

Babies and Even though toddlers don't know what's going on, they can pick up on their parents' concerns with their "sixth sense."

 

• Try to stay calm around babies and toddlers.

• Maintain normal routines as much as possible. Routines are important for babies.

• Protect babies and toddlers from the media as much as possible.

• You can tell when your toddler is anxious through verbal Look for signs that are not there. (increasing � �temper tantrums, whining, change in appetite, etc.) 

• Don't talk about it unless they show worrying symptoms or ask questions.

• Encourage self-expression through games, role-playing and storytelling.

Preschool Period

 

Pre-school children can have more information about what is happening. They may have questions about germs, doctors, and even death.

 

• Safety is a top priority for this age group. Tell them to make sure adults are responsible and working to keep people healthy and safe.

• Preschoolers are also concerned about the health of their parents, relatives, and friends. Assure them that everyone is doing their best to stay healthy. Teach them to be healthy by washing their hands. Make hand washing fun with songs.

• Preschool children cannot always distinguish between fantasy and reality. Therefore, limit your child's internet use.

• Look for non-verbal signs that you can tell your child is anxious. (Fear of being alone, bad dreams, speech difficulties, constipation, bedwetting, appetite change, increased anger and crying spells)

• Bedtimes are very important. Help your child sleep and distract by reading stories and books.

• Try to maintain your children's normal routines and rituals whenever possible.

• Don't insist on talking about it unless they show worrying symptoms or ask questions.

 

Primary School Period

 

School-age children are very aware of what is going on right now.

 

• It is very important to talk to your children at this age. Make sure that you and your child's teachers will do everything to keep them healthy and safe, and explain what precautions you are taking.

• Children at this age are concerned about their own health as well as the health of their family and friends. There is no harm in explaining that children are not affected by the coronavirus, but older people are more affected by this virus. This situation may increase their anxiety, but tell them that they are taking the necessary precautions and that they will not visit unless necessary and that they can talk on the phone if they wish.

• Limit internet use.

• If the fear or anxiety they experience continues, do everything you can to help adults and prevent the spread of the virus. Include them in everything. Encourage them to help you clean the house and prepare healthy snacks such as fruit bowls and herbal tea.

• Ask if they have any questions. Stick to the facts, if any, and report what you know without exaggerating or overreacting. Use online resources together to help them learn more about the virus (do your research in advance to choose resources that are appropriate for your child's age and do not contain violence or distorted news). Look for signs that are not there. (Aggressive behavior, nightmares, sleep/appetite disturbance, headache/abdominal aches, forgetfulness)

 

Middle School Period

 

Children this age are aware of what is going on. They have probably seen the news by now and have already discussed the virus at school or with their friends.

 

• It is very important to talk to your children at this age and answer their questions. This can help you determine how much they know and correct any misinformation they may have.

• Acknowledge feelings of anxiety, worry, or panic. Do not express that you find these unnecessary and meaningless.

• Children at this age will be more interested in what might happen in the future. Stick to the facts and don't get bogged down in your worries about vague scenarios.

• Some children behave inappropriately when they feel frightening. It can show with actions. Others may be more reserved. Pay attention to these clues and ask them to tell you about their feelings.

• Talk to your children about what they see on television or read articles on the Internet together. Help them understand which sources are trustworthy.

• Talk about how incidents like this can reveal harmful biases and discrimination against certain people and communities. In this case, talk about the importance of disrupting anti-Asian sentiment and xenophobia.

• Watch, read, and share stories about how people are responding to the virus to keep communities safe.

• Assist with things your child can do – for example, research with your child to learn more about how to prevent the spread of the virus, including washing hands and getting enough sleep.

 

High School Period

 

High school students are interested in this subject They probably argued with their peers and teachers. They are aware of what this will mean for their health, school, schedule, or safety, but it can still scare them.

 

• Related to health, economics, and politics The questions are all legitimate topics for this age group. It is important to discuss these issues with them if they are interested.

• Acknowledge any concerns or fears they have and remind them that these feelings are normal.

• Some teenagers can ignore everything. It may seem like you don't care. This may be masking their real concerns. Ask questions about this topic and listen.

• Some young people may joke about this topic. Humor can be a way to help them cope, but prevent them from using humor as the only way to talk about the virus. Refer them to scientific sources to gain information.

• Stay true to the facts in your conversations and talk to your child about what he sees on television or the internet.

• Anxiety Raise awareness of overuse of media that can increase the risk of illness.

• Some young people may be very interested in discussing the political or economic impact of the disease. Engage them in learning and thinking critically about the coronavirus.

• Talk about how events like this can reveal harmful biases and discrimination against certain people and communities. In this case, talk about the importance of disrupting anti-Asian sentiments and xenophobia.

• Don't talk to your child about your own concerns. Get help from an adult for this.

 

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