Being informed allows you to make better decisions and gives control over the things that directly impact you. Below are two trusted organizations with accurate information about the COVID-19.
This is an opportunity to have open dialogue about the state we are in and answer questions. It is also okay to not have answers to every question.
· What is the COVID-19?
· How do I prevent myself from getting it?
· How do I get it?
· How would I know if I have it?
· What do I do if I have it?
These are all questions that we are all thinking about and having the answers to these questions may ease some of our fears and anxiety. The two websites above have additional information that will help you answer these questions.
Information sourced from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention
It is true that we feed off of what others are feeling. Your children will follow what you do. Anxiety and fear may show up in different ways. It is important to be aware of this and to find ways you and your family can be at ease. Below are some suggestions:
· Stay in the present
· Reframe what’s happening
· Fact check your thoughts
· Deep breathing exercises
· 3-3-3 Rule: Name 3 things you see, 3 things you hear and move 3 parts of your body.
In times like these, it is important to keep doing something. Children are at home from school and some parents are home as well, develop a home routine of things you can do together. This will allow the family to feel more connected and secure in this chaotic time. Below are some ideas of what families can do together.
· Have a set wake up and bedtime (maybe nap time)
· Cook meals together
· Watch movies
· Have a ‘learning time’ every day to give you some adult time
· Play games
· Play or listen to music
· Have a creative day
· Find ways to move your bodies and get fresh air
· Story telling