These are uncertain times, at best. Quite scary. Definitely uncharted territory. The emergence and rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus has upended all our lives, and there’s no handbook on how to deal with such times (unless you count works of fiction like The Stand by Stephen King). With all that’s happening, it is understandable for you to find yourself struggling. I know I am! But one thing we may be overlooking is how kids are handling the situation.
For sure, most of them are enjoying the fact that they don’t have to go to school. Some may be over the moon if their parents are being lax, allowing them more screentime than usual. I know my nephews are…
But think about it – if this lockdown, quarantine, or stay-at-home situation is starting to get to you, how is it affecting your kids? Is it possible that they also need some extra care, attention, and guidance aside from their parents? Maybe staying inside the house is getting to them as well. If they are old enough to watch/read the news, then the overall picture may be a source of fear or anxiety.
This is uncharted territory for all of us. Kids included.
So, what is an adult to do?
Well, thanks to Scholastic, there is a mini-handbook for these times.
First Aid for Feelings is a workbook created to help kids cope during the Coronavirus pandemic. It starts off with a letter to grown-ups, so that you have a starting point. It’s interactive, giving children the opportunity to express themselves – their thoughts, their fears, and their concerns. At the same time, it provides explanations and information about what’s going on in the world and what children can do.
While it is designed for kids, I believe that adults can also benefit from using the workbook! Even if you think you are doing okay, you might find that you have unprocessed feelings.
Whether for the kids or for the grown-ups stuck at home, First Aid for Feelings is a useful tool.
You can download it for free here.
