A Kid’s Guide to Coronavirus - 15

Just like your child, you will reduce your own
emotional intensity by noticing and labeling your
feelings. During a crisis, this kind of self-attention
can feel like the last thing a busy parent or
caregiver has time for. However, by ensuring that
you are attuned to and taking care of your own
needs, you will have reserves available to help
support your children during difficult moments.
You will be grateful that you preemptively
invested the time in yourself when you must
draw on these reserves to help a struggling child.
Make a point to practice what you preach
with your children. Focus on what is in your
control, such as practicing and modeling coping
skills, limiting news consumption, and creating
your own new routines around sleep, nutrition,
and exercise. Most important-validate and be
gentle with yourself. It is impossible to perfectly
fulfill all of the roles you are being asked to play in
this moment in time. Get comfortable with being
good enough. This may look like allowing your
children more time on screens than you would
normally, cooking (or just heating up!) very basic
meals, or practicing a coping strategy for two
minutes while hiding in the bathroom.

When to Seek Help
If your child is experiencing so much anxiety or
sadness about COVID-19 that it causes significant
distress or begins to impact their functioning (e.g.,
consistent trouble sleeping, eating, or engaging
in typical life activities), you should consult with
a licensed psychologist or other mental health
professional. There is no need to wait until social
distancing restrictions are lifted. During the
current crisis, many mental health providers are

offering therapy over virtual meeting platforms.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created
unprecedented challenges for children and adults
alike. Yet within great challenges lie opportunities
for growth, bravery, and resilience. You are
taking a concrete, effective step forward simply
by taking the time to read this book and reflect
on how to help your child. Remind yourself of
this whenever the "not good enough" monster
strikes. You are doing the best you can, and that
is enough.
A Kid’s Guide to Coronavirus

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of A Kid’s Guide to Coronavirus
