The distance with friends, the break from the routine of games and study, movement restrictions and even changes in diet, have been just some of the difficulties that have affected children and adolescents on a global level who, From one day to the next, they had to learn to be locked up for their own good, but they have not always resolved how to cope with the stress that confinement and the health crisis have meant.
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Within this context the World Health Organization (WHO) has produced a large amount of material to help adults create comfortable spaces that allow younger people to have the opportunity to get ahead of this complex situation.
Here are the tips from WHO
How to help children manage stress during the COVID-19 outbreak
- Children can respond to stress in a variety of ways, for example by becoming more dependent, worried, angry or agitated, withdrawing into themselves or wetting the bed.
- Be understanding of your child’s reactions, listen to his concerns, and offer more love and attention.
- Children need the love and attention of adults in difficult times. Give them more time and attention.
- Remember to listen to your children, speak kindly to them, and reassure them.
- Whenever possible, schedule play and relaxation times with your child.
- As much as possible, try to keep children close to their parents and family and avoid separating them from their caregivers. In case of separation (for example, due to hospitalization), be sure to maintain frequent contact (for example, by phone) and offer comfort.
- Maintain regular routines and schedules as much as possible, or help create different ones in the new environment, including school and learning activities, as well as times to play safely and relax.
- Explain what has happened and what the current situation is and give children clear information on how they can reduce the risks of contracting the disease; use words they can understand based on their age.
- Also provide information about hypothetical situations (for example, a family member and/or the child starts to feel unwell and has to go to the hospital for a while so that the doctors can help them recover).