How to keep your children calm during the covid-19 pandemic.

 

This coronavirus has created a great deal of anxiety, boredom and suffering. It has brought telemedicine visits to our practice which has proven very useful in allowing people to stay at home and contain the viral spread. There is no question the distancing stay-at-home policy has proven effective but very frustrating to all of us.
 

While I was feeling sorry for myself I realized I had experienced something similar when I was a young elementary school student. During World War II I lived in Santa Monica, California.

 

For the duration of the War, a little over four years, we were under many unpleasant rules and regulations. Rationing was very pervasive; gasoline, sugar, beef, pork and coffee were restricted. (We always seemed to have toilet paper!) Tires and new cars were not available to the general public. With the gas being limited and tires unavailable family travel was severely restricted. Because the government was fearful of Japanese air attacks we endured frequent “practice” air raid warnings. When the sirens sounded in the night we had to turn off our lights and sit under the dining room table until the All Clear was sounded. We would not go out at night. If we violated these rules air raid wardens would be at our door to enforce them.
 

At night the sky was filled with barrage balloons and search light beams to discourage bombers. Scattered throughout the neighborhood were antiaircraft gun stations– three story high structures manned by soldiers.
 

Do I remember feeling uncontrollable fear?

 

Herein lies the answer to the message for all parents. I did not experience such fear because my parents exuded calm and stability. That is critical to a child at times like these. Not only did they say reassuring words but their facial expressions and body language conveyed reassurance. As a parent it is not only what we say but how we act.
 

Another thing that helped children stay calm was the lack of television blaring potential death and suffering. This coronavirus crisis will probably last months, whereas World War II lasted over four years. As parents keep in mind we convey as much by facial expression and body language as we do by words. Also, do not saturate your child with news proclaiming death, joblessness and suffering. Be realistic so your children can understand the problem but not be robbed of hope.
 

Most importantly, we survived the World War II crisis. If we use common sense and follow expert recommendations we will also survive the covid-19 storm.