The circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic may cause children and youth to feel that they cannot rely on anyone for safety or support. The presence of positive and stable relationships is extremely important. The care and support provided by caregivers and other adults can help with positive development and resiliency. 

• Identify activities that you and your child can do together while at home to foster strong relationships such as reading a book, cooking together, watching a movie, playing a game, etc.
• If you are an essential worker or working in healthcare, you may be choosing to stay separated from your family during this time for safety reasons. Try to find ways to maintain contact with your child such as talking on the phone, using video calling, playing a virtual game (drawful, jackbox.tv), etc.
• Your child is counting on you to be honest about what is going on. Even though you may fear that talking to your child about COVID-19 will increase their worries, bringing difficult topics into conversation can actually help to quiet stressors, as children can imagine scenarios far worse than reality. Sharing factual and age-appropriate information will help them put the situation into perspective.

Changes in normal routines and the transition to at-home learning during the COVID-19 pandemic may cause children and adolescents to develop low self-esteem, poor self-mastery, and the belief that they are unable to accomplish tasks or develop new skills. It is important to support children and youth who may be struggling during this time and work with them on building new skills and developing a sense of mastery. 

• Continue to promote imaginative thinking by letting children create projects using objects or materials in the home.
• To help with self-mastery and to also eliminate some parent responsibilities, assign household chores or tasks that are appropriate for your child to help with.
• If your child likes art or drawing, encourage them to make cards or signs for healthcare workers or essential employees.
• You and your child may have a list of tasks that you want to accomplish each day. Remember that it’s ok if you don’t finish everything you had wanted to accomplish during the day. In these uncertain times, it is perfectly acceptable to not be as productive as you were before.
• Although you may sometimes assist with homework, most parents have not previously had to take on the role of “teacher” in this capacity. If you are feeling overwhelmed with at-home learning, reach out to school staff for advice on how to best support your child with at-home learning.

The uncertainty surrounding this virus, daily media reports, shelter in place policies, and constantly changing information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic may cause children and youth to feel unsafe or concerned about their family’s wellbeing. It is important to work towards creating an environment where individuals can feel safe by helping to identify safe spaces, building supportive relationships, and discussing ways to stay safe and healthy. 

• Create a safe physical and emotional environment. Help children develop a sense of safety about themselves and their loved ones, as well as their stability regarding access to basic needs. As much as possible, provide some predictability and routine (e.g., regular bedtimes and meals, daily schedules for learning and play). Provide support as they show signs of stress by validating their feelings and encouraging them to cope with their emotions. 
• During this time of uncertainty your child may look to you for reassurance that are safe and that everything will be ok. It is important that you model positive coping strategies, give them extra attention and address any concerns, fears, or questions that they may have. However, it is also important that you avoid giving too much reassurance because due to the newness of this virus we are not sure how things may turn out or change.
• Constantly watching the news or reading about COVID-19 can cause children and adults to feel anxious, distressed, or unsafe. Be mindful of how much information your family is exposed to and what children may overhear while at home.
• For many individuals, their sense of safety and stability may be connected with religion or spirituality. Although your family may not be able to visit a religious building during this time, try to stay connected by watching religious services online or connecting with religious leaders by phone.

The information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic changes daily and children and youth are getting information from multiple sources. It is important to identify their current beliefs regarding COVID-19, promote positive thinking regarding recovery, continue reviewing ways to stay safe, and avoid spreading false information.

• Parents and children are understandably ready for shelter in place policies to end and are concerned that things will never “go back to normal”. Instead of focusing on what you miss, you and your child can make a list of things that you are looking forward to doing in the future.
• One of the ways to ease some of the worries about COVID-19 is to speak with someone that has first-hand knowledge about the virus. It may be helpful to speak with your child’s pediatrician, individuals who have recovered from COVID-19, or people what have relatives who have recovered if they are interested in sharing their experiences.