Coping with Stress During Infectious Outbreaks-Taking Care Of Children

[Melissa]

Wondering how all the littles are doing out here in BARFland?

 

[ThumperX]

Wondering how all the littles are doing out here in BARFland?

I had a good talk with a 13 year old today. He is the grandson of one of my clients who was by the shop this morning.
I asked him how he was coping. He said it was really hard at first, he's an only child and just had his Mom and Dad to interact with. Now with good weather, he and his friends have invented "COVID Games." They take turns skateboarding or riding bicyclesdown the street and set timers. I didn't get all the games but theres also one where they write secret messages, he's learned morse code and has been torturing the window blinds.
All in all I'd say this particular child is doing well.

 

[AbsolutEnduser]

Protective Factor #4
Support for caregiver well-being

When parents and caretakers needs are met, children are more than likely to receive sensitive and responsive care. Protecting adults mental and physical health is an effective strategy for promoting children's well being.
Parents and caregivers can:
*whenever possible, prioritize time and energy for activities that are most important and meaningful to caregivers and their families. Focus on what reasonably can be accomplished.
*take breaks from work and caregiving responsibilities. Even short periods of time focused on self care can benefit the entire family.
*reach out to family members, friends, religious groups and professionals who can offer support for managing emotional and mental health challenges.

Protective Factor #5
Social Connectedness

Positive social connections are important protective factors for both children and adults. Although in person contact may be limited, physical distancing should not turn in to social isolation, which is a risk factor for child abuse and neglect, substance misuse and family violence. During disasters children interact less frequently with mandated reporters and other adults who can recognize and report signs of trouble in a family. Monitoring children's safety is especially important.
Parents and caregivers can:
*spend time virtually with other family members and friends.
*encourage teens to stay connected virtually.
*when time is limited, focus on connections with family friends, religious figures or others who offer positive support.
*connect to others through common hobbies(gardening is my favorite) and opportunities to help in the community, which can be rewarding and meaningful. Writing to older adults, help in mask making, donating supplies)
*reach out to other families with children to check on their well being and offer support.

Not bad, .. pretty good...

Wondering how all the littles are doing out here in BARFland?

Some better some worse.... ??
Kids without a dedicated stay-at-home parent are I bet the real losers here. The lack of school routine is a major problem..and less school work (theoretically)

 

[Beanzy]

...

 

[littlebeast]

Wondering how all the littles are doing out here in BARFland?

i only have fur babies - but am enchanted by my neighbors. on three sides we have families with multiple small children. at regular intervals during the day, the parents bring their children outdoors and all manner of mayhem ensues - screaming, screeching, laughter and mommy/daddy consternation and management of overstimulation. i can’t begin to imagine how parents are helping their children through this - but god bless them for their effort.

 

[Bowling4Bikes]

Wondering how all the littles are doing out here in BARFland?

there was certainly some weirdness at first, but I think the "littles" are adjusting well now.

the 15 y/o son has realized the treasure trove of wood and woodworking tools I have. He's currently replacing his chair arm cushions with wooden mounting stands to hold his flight sim controls. I taught him how to use the radial arm saw, but other than that have left him to his own devices (he prefers it that way). it looks ghetto but he's super stoked to have built something on his own.

The 13 y/o daughter is being very creative with making new art and cooking. She made one of those mulitcolored paint murals for lack of a better word.
Came out unbelievably cool. She just hosted a "virtual campfire" with her scouts bsa troop, then made some peanut brittle with her girl scout troop during a virtual meeting.

we're all missing camping and the outdoors in general