Supporting Young Children During Change

April 14, 2020 — We celebrate the Week of the Young Child under very different circumstances this year. The sudden and immediate changes to our daily lives during the COVID-19 Pandemic can make parenting young children challenging during this time. Here are a few ways to cope with change and enjoy being with one another. 
  • Slow down. Take this time of social distancing to step back and relax. Take time to enjoy little things like a walk while looking at the beauty of nature or spend time reading your child’s favorite story. 
  • Keep busy. When children become bored, their negative behaviors can increase. Help your child become involved in play. Simple household items can allow for creative and messy play for hours. Your child needs time to play without worrying about the pandemic.
  • Give your child hope and strength by talking about safety, success and hope. Use resources such as PBS Kids and Sesame Street to talk with young children about how to be safe during this time. Use resources that are age-appropriate and positive to give children a sense of security and help them cope with change.
  • Use routines at home to provide consistency. Try to keep regular bedtime, mealtime and morning routines. Talk with your child about the day’s activities. For example, your child might eat breakfast first, spend time completing school activities, play outside, have lunch next, and so on. Children worry less when they know what to expect. 
  • Give your child reassurance and help them regulate. Children respond to change and stress in many different ways. Be sure to tell your child that it is okay to feel sad, scared, angry or whatever emotion they are experiencing. Help them regulate by taking deep breaths, breathing slowly and doing some exercises such as jumping jacks or marching. 
In order to support our young children, it is very important for caregivers to practice self-care to minimize their own stress during this time. Young children are very sensitive to the stress and worry they see in their caregivers. Below are a couple strategies for adults.
  • Take time for yourself. Use nap times to exercise, meditate or simply relax. If your child no longer naps, use time when they are playing independently to relax or become involved in an activity, while staying nearby. If you co-parent, set up a schedule so that both caregivers can spend time with children and have time to practice self-care. 
  • Stay connected. Adults need social connection and relationships to stay healthy. Use phone calls, texts, and video chats to see, hear and “visit’ with family members and friends. 
It is important to remember that we are all in this together. Everyone is experiencing a new normal and adjusting to change. Use any and all available community resources as needed. The Racine Unified School District is committed to supporting our families during this time. The supports from your child’s school are one phone call away. 
 
Amy Shepherd is the Director of Early Learning for Racine Unified School District.