Helping children feel calm and regulated
UCSF with Dr. Whitney Ence • April 23, 2020
Dr. Whitney Ence shares strategies to help children cope with COVID-19 and quarantine. To get started, try one idea at a time. You may need to modify these based on the developmental level and age of your child, for example, using visual aids to explain concepts to younger children.
Support understanding of COVID-19. Describe the virus and current situation in concrete language and terms. Be ready to answer questions.
Offer opportunities for expression and label what is happening. Children may have a hard time expressing emotions. Fear, frustration and worry may be expressed through an increase in behavior challenges.
Prioritize coping and coping skills. These may include a calming space, a calming box of tools, deep breathing, meditation, exercise, listening to music, or watching a preferred video. Have set times to practice these strategies by building them into the schedule.
Maintain routines and build new routines with a support of a visual schedule. Routines are important, particularly for younger children and children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Foster connections (from a distance). Some kids may need help with building opportunities for daily social contact with friends, family, and teachers.
Focus on what we can control. Limit social media, alarming conversations, and news related to COVID-19. Maintain sleep and eating routines. Try to get outside safely each day.
