Caring for Kids During the Pandemic

By Bettina Bove, LCSW-R, LCC Counselor

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We are living during very trying times. It can be challenging to maintain self-care and overwhelming to provide additional care for our children and families. Do your best to create more balance during this time at home. 

Communication is a key to help maintain good relationships. Don’t avoid talking. Kids need to know they aren’t to blame for the tension that might be present in our lives. We all get frustrated and are coping as well as possible, sometimes in very close quarters. Let this be a time of bonding and giving grace. Be comforting by speaking words of reassurance to relay the message that “this will pass and we will get through this together”. When we verbalize reassurance to others, we also reassure ourselves. Remember to validate accomplishments, even the small ones. Take time every day to express how we are loved by God and each other, how we can always be secure in that love and in His presence. Physical touch and hugs are very important right now, even from our furry friends! 

Take this opportunity to teach kids how to build their skills and contribute more to their home, family and communities. Assist them in learning how to make a budget, prepare a shopping list, clip coupons, clean and do laundry. Perhaps even teach them how to care for that new pet they have been asking for. Reach out to others safely, on the phone, through facetime or have a group chat on Zoom. Go “old-school” by writing letters and sending cards via snail mail. Seek more fun in addition to work and school schedules. We need something to look forward to! 

Create a fun and entertainment calendar. Place it where everyone can see it and contribute ideas. Plan a game night, watch a sunrise or sunset, go for a walk or a hike, have a picnic in the park or even in the living room. Have a “travel night”:  pick a place you would like to visit; then have a meal or food from that region, dress like the natives would and utilize words from their language. Have everyone draw a picture of something famous from the chosen location; then together watch a show or video filmed there. Let this be practice until you can take a real trip there. It can be as simple as eating french fries, wearing a beret, and having everyone draw a picture of their rendition of the Eiffel Tower, while speaking with a French accent! Silly, but fun! 

Create crafts, Leave a jigsaw puzzle out for everyone to take a turn with, it’s meditative! Print out pictures and color together! Read a book or Bible stories to each other. Sit down to meals together and ask each family member to share a challenge and a joy from their day! Play music and have a dance party in the kitchen. Pray and sing songs together. Have ice cream sundaes on Sundays! Share something you are grateful for at bedtime and make every day a thanksgiving! 

Teach kids to care for their community. Collect rocks and write an inspiring word or message on them, like “Hope, Love or Faith”. Leave them around your town or on someone’s doorstep to encourage them. Get together, cook or bake a treat, plant seeds and grow flowers; then deliver them to a friend or neighbor and make their day! Do a drive by visit for someone who needs to feel cared for and less alone. Get creative. Be silly. Have fun and thank God!

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Bettine Bove, LCSW-R, has a specialty in meditation, relaxation and guided imagery. She counsels children, teens, adults, couples and families. For an appointment with a counselor or for more information, call LCC at 1-800-317-1173. All sessions are virtual.

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