HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILDREN TO MANAGE ANXIETY IN QUARANTINE?

Human beings are very social, and we are not at all accustomed to keeping ourselves locked up for so long. Therefore, it is normal that when we spend these days of quarantine at home, we feel stress or anxiety, and the most vulnerable to suffering anxiety symptoms at home, are our children. That is why we offer you tips to recognize, prevent and treat anxiety in your children when they cannot leave their homes.

IDENTIFY THE SYMPTOMS

Confinement anxiety can manifest itself in different ways, and it is important to be aware of symptoms such as lack of appetite, changes in sleep patterns, fear, excessive concern about issues that did not previously overwhelm you, etc. All these can indicate that your child is anxious and once you know how to recognize the symptoms, you can work to help them cope, improve their mood and their mental health.

MAINTAIN A POSITIVE VISION

One of the reasons why your child may be overly worried is the excessive information that comes to us, day by day, through social networks and the media. It is always important to have time to disconnect and talk. This way they filter their concerns with you in a safe environment, always keeping them aware that they are the group that runs the least risk if they respect preventive and hygiene measures. Demonstrating a positive attitude, staying calm, and at the same time quieting your doubts and concerns, is the most important thing in these circumstances.

HAVE HABITS AND ROUTINES

Establish a routine that can keep them active, awake and with the best attitude. This has to be handled with balance, you have to know how to be flexible and creative with the activities you will have to do during the day, without ever neglecting your education or obligations. Something highly recommended is to involve them in the kitchen, so that they can get excited about the subject and have more encouragement to eat, in addition to maintaining a healthy diet.

LEAVE A TIME FOR EVERYTHING

It is important to involve them in housework and keep them active. We have to include physical and playful activities in their daily routine, including creative and novel tasks that they can take advantage of to entertain themselves and develop their mind. However, leisure times are not a bad thing. Your child should have the opportunity to be bored as well, as it is during this time that the opportunity to imagine, create and practice his tolerance for frustration is allowed. The best help your child can have against anxiety is to give your support and encouragement. You should encourage him to improve little by little, remind them that this is a temporary situation and that with each small step they are moving towards positive change for their future. We are all going through difficult times that can affect our children in many different ways, but we must always be willing to give them all the help they need to take care of their physical and mental health.