Wicker and Wilde both have friends with young kids who are struggling a bit during these weirdo times.
Maintain a daily routine - Child psychiatrists Dr. Anju Hurria and Dr. Kevin Simon both say having a structured routine is important and suggest writing it on a white board so kids know what to expect during the day. Hurria also suggests adding fun activities, like Friday movie nights, so kids can look forward to those.
Get moving - Physical activity is important for their physical and mental health and kids need to burn off all that energy and have fun, plus it’ll help them sleep better. (By the way it's good for adults, too)
Limit negative news - Empower kids with information on how to stay safe, like hand-washing and social distancing, but steer clear of the news coverage that can be overwhelming and stressful, even for adults.
Keep up social connections - Set up virtual playdates and calls with friends and for older children and teens, try low-risk activities like socially distanced walks with friends outside.
Check in regularly - Ask your kids “How are you doing with everything?” and encourage them to open up about their feelings.
Build hope and a sense of purpose - With more free time on their hands this summer, it’s helpful for kids to find a hobby or project they’re passionate about, like growing a garden or learning to play guitar. Hurria says this helps them “focus outside of themselves.”
