Baby, hold my hand

“Mommy/Daddy, What’s going on?”   

As adults we are experiencing stress in the new patterns of daily living.  But as an adult, biologically we are able to process change, emotions, thoughts more efficiently in comparison to children. As surprising as it may seem, children experience the same emotions and have the same questions that adults have.  The only difference is that they do not have the verbal expression and outlets that are available to adults.  As an influential figure in children lives, it is important that adults support them in learning how to positively process change.  According to the UNICEF this can be achieved with:

 1). Remaining calm and proactive,

2). Sticking to a routine,

3). Allowing them the freedom to experience their emotions,

4). Ask them what they are digesting through,

5). Encourage interaction with them, and

6). Be mindful of your actions

Change is inevitable.  However, learning how to cope with change makes it easier each time to get through the change.

Read UNICEF, 6 ways parents can support their kids through the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, for more information.

“When you can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. “                       

-Fred Rogers