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5 Tips to Protect Children's Mental Health During a Pandemic

This time we are living in can be even more difficult for children. According to the National Institute for Children’s Health Quality, children are more at risk to stressful events that disturb their daily lives.

	Provide Reassurance Provide reassurance when your child has questions. Do not make promises that you cannot keep (e.g., You will not get the coronavirus), but let them know that you are there for them and will help.
	Keep a Routine Many routines that children have had for months or years have been tossed out the window. Make things easier by keeping a regular schedule for meals, physical activity, and bedtime.
	Regulation Regular self-regulation techniques, such as deep breathing, can reduce the frequency and intensity of meltdowns. There are many online resources that kids can use to help regulate themselves.
	Be Active Research shows that exercise has a positive effect on mental health. While parks and playgrounds may be limited during the pandemic, there are still plenty of places to be active.
	Provide Age-Appropriate Information Too much information can be overwhelming and too little information can be confusing. It is important to let children know what is going on but make it appropriate to their age.