The Effect of COVID-19 on our Children

The first half of 2020 has been stressful for the entire world as we faced a pandemic and the negative impacts it has had on every aspect of our lives.

Our children are attached to us at a soul level and pick up on our energies. They are seeing us under stress, separated from family and friends, and their lives and routines have been disrupted at every level.

As parents, we always need to be aware of our children’s presence when we speak. If we are not careful, our actions and words may leave them feeling anxious and overwhelmed. We need to pay attention to how we are reacting to our obstacles and how our children are perceiving the way in which we handle these situations. They need to know that they are safe and loved, and that we are here for them, no matter what.

Fortunately, children without underlying medical conditions appear to be at low risk for contracting COVID-19. According to the CDC, only two percent of confirmed COVID-19 cases are among children under 18-years-old. And 55 percent of those children are asymptomatic or experience mild symptoms. However, the virus, subsequent stay-at-home orders, and social distancing are having a significant effect on children in other ways, such as:

• Increased financial insecurity for families
• Higher rates of unreported child abuse
• Limited socialization
• Missing out on important events and milestones, such as birthdays, graduations, religious ceremonies and holidays
• Reduced physical activity
• Decreased preventative medical care
• Insufficient educational support
• Higher rates of stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, etc.
• Adoption of unhealthy coping techniques
• Increased risk-seeking behaviors
• Development of PTSD
• Death of loved ones

Additionally, research has shown that psychological stress in childhood increases the risk of chronic disease, such as cancer, and heart, lung and liver disease. There is also evidence that trauma may trigger changes to the immune system, leading to autoimmune diseases, such as insomnia, rheumatoid arthritis, headaches, anxiety and depression.

We may not see it now, but our children will be affected by this pandemic for years to come.

As a mother of two boys with autism, I have been especially concerned about the effects COVID-19 will have on children with special needs.

These kids are facing all of the same disruptions that young people without disabilities must overcome. But COVID-19 will likely place a greater burden on these children because their access to essential services like therapies, counseling, and educational interventions are indefinitely interrupted. Many children with disabilities also have underlying health conditions that increase their risk of serious complications caused by COVID-19.

Also, these children are at risk for more severe social and emotional consequences due to social distancing measures. According to the American Psychological Association, “Children with disabilities often experience feelings of social isolation from their peers, and social distancing policies related to COVID-19 may amplify these feelings.”

I have experienced this first-hand with my sons, who are missing the structure, socialization, and growth that school provides for them.

Although we cannot shield our children from every consequence of the coronavirus, we can teach them the tools they need to successfully weather the storm. An emotional education is an invaluable gift that you can give your child. Teaching them to understand their own feelings and the feelings of others will help them cope with stress, enhance their focus, strengthen their immune system, and even boost brain development. Develop their emotional intelligence by following these steps:

Children of all ages are extremely perceptive and will take their cues from you. This is why it is so important to prioritize your own mental health so that you can support your children. Once you are in a good place, you can speak to your children calmly and clearly.

Consider what your child has heard about the current situation, their age, and maturity level before engaging in conversation about the pandemic. Too much information could add to some kids’ anxiety, whereas too little information could leave others feeling like you don’t take them seriously or are hiding something from them.

Being a present parent is always important, especially during times of change and upheaval. Make a point to stop and have a meaningful conversation with your children at least once per day. Remind them that you are always there for them, ready to listen to their feelings, fears and questions.

Make it a priority to schedule time to speak with friends and family. You can even host virtual play dates and dinners, where you participate in an activity with someone in another household while speaking over a video call.

Remind your children that their feelings are valid and then teach them how to express those feelings and find peace. Here are 12 techniques that children may find helpful:

1. Take a bubble bath
2. Deep breathing exercises
3. Enjoy the fresh air
4. Practice meditation
5. Journal their feelings
6. Listen to music
7. Do yoga
8. Play with the family pet
9. Talk to friends
10. Play a game or solve a puzzle
11. Exercise
12. Draw, color, paint, etc.

Young children may benefit from the book Calm-Down Time, which introduces the concepts of emotional awareness and offers tools for releasing strong feelings.

Reduce stress by sticking to a predictable schedule, incorporating mental health and relaxation breaks into the tasks you need to get done each day.

There is never any shame in seeking help. If you or your child is struggling, reach out to friends, family members, primary care physicians, counselors or psychologists.

Crystals and stones have been used for hundreds of years for their healing and calming properties. In fact, there are several known specifically for relieving stress and anxiety that may be especially helpful for your children during this time.

The beautiful purple hue of amethyst reflects its calming properties. This stone transfers balance, patience, and serenity. It releases a calm energy and helps those nearby to rid themselves of anger, rage and fear. Amethyst serves as an energetic shield against negative energies, a natural tranquilizer, and will help you to clear your mind.

One of the most effective natural stress relievers is Lepidolite, which contains lithium—an ingredient used in anti-anxiety medications. This stone fosters deep emotional healing, reducing both stress and depression, by inspiring confidence and self-love. Lepidolite opens up the crown chakra, cleaning out blockages, and brings about a cosmic awareness in its users.

The stone of emotional healing, Rose Quartz, lowers stress and tension in the heart, allowing it to heal from maladies caused by holding onto negative emotions. In times where grief, negativity, and stress surround you, this stone balances emotions, restores harmony, and dispels negativity and disappointment.

Regain emotional balance and protect yourself from negative influence with Black Tourmaline. This stone is also useful for removing negative energies from within a person or space, grounding, and balancing, harmonizing, and protecting all of the Chakras.

Open up the lines of communication, free from tension, with Blue Lace Agate. The energy of this healing stone resonates within the throat chakra, providing a sense of tranquility and peace.

Often referred to as the stone of peace, Sodalite releases tension, anxiety, and fears, while calming the mind and easing panic. It encourages verbalization of feelings, rational thoughts, self-esteem, intuition, and objectivity.

The miracle stone Shungite shields us from negative energy and invites peace and tranquility within. It relieves anxiety and stress, and infuses your aura with light, allowing only positive energies to reach your body.

Life is overwhelming for adults right now, despite the fact that we have more life-experience and have learned coping mechanisms to help us deal with the stressors we encounter. So, I imagine that our children must be feeling especially anxious as they cope with this new normal and are reliant on us to teach them how to react to those emotions.

Recently, my son Tobi asked to meditate with me, and I realized that we must prioritize bringing peace to our little ones. It inspired me to create a free 5 Minute Kids Guided Meditation. Try it out with your kiddos to emphasize a relaxing and safe environment.