COVID is Taking a Mental Toll on Our Children. Here’s How You Can Help.
If COVID-19 has weighed heavily on your children, they are not alone. Roughly two-third of parents worry that their children are falling behind socially, emotionally, and academically as a result of the pandemic. Their fears are not unfounded.
When children are deprived of normal relationships, it can affect their future health, career prospects, and future romantic partnerships. In the near term, children are especially impacted by distancing measures, which lead their social skills, nonverbal communication, and teamwork to atrophy.
Teens, too, are under immense strain from the isolation and derailment of their life plans. In June, the CDC found that one in four people between the ages of 18 and 24 had “seriously considered” suicide in the past 30 days as compared to 11% of all adults.
Social networks and texting do not fill these social voids. Indeed, too much screen time can exacerbate these problems and add physical and neurological consequences on top. The question is, what can we do as parents to help?
Facilitate face-to-face, socially distanced interactions
Kids who are able to play, study, sing, and eat with friends will be more resilient to the emotional and social consequences of isolation. In Park City, we’re lucky to have open spaces where kids can spend quality time together year-round. Take advantage of it.
Teach and practice basic social skills
Children learn vital social skills through their interactions with teachers, coaches, and other kids. During this time, it’s important to teach skills like small talk, politeness, and mirroring body language. Kids (and many adults, by the way) should learn how to ask open-ended questions, identify common interests, and practice empathy.
Ask your kids about their feelings
Your children may not know how, when, or if to express the range of emotions they are experiencing. Most children don’t learn words like “anxiety” and “depression” until high school. Check in with your children at least weekly and especially with teens, be upfront. Questions like, “Have you thought about hurting yourself?” can save lives.
Bottom line: Tune into the mental stress that you and your children may be experiencing as a result of pandemic life. If you have concerns, seek help from a mental health professional.
If stress is manifesting in physical ways—such as muscle tightness and pain, headaches, or jaw discomfort—get in touch. We can help.
