MONITOR YOUR CHILD FOR COVID-19 RELATED STRESS

Worried about your child’s mental health during these stressful times? Several parents have said they are experiencing some struggles keeping their little ones indoors and occupied. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has released an infographic that advises parents on signs of stress they need to look out for in their kids, as not all children respond to stress in the same way.

The DHA said children interact with what they see and hear about the pandemic from adults around them, especially, parents and healthcare providers.

Hence, parents and other caregivers must monitor their child for the following behavioural changes:

• Returning to behaviours that they have overcome (involuntary urination)

• Difficulty in paying attention and concentrating

• Headache or unexplained body pain • Crying, irritation, excessive anxiety or

sadness

• Avoiding activities that they have previously enjoyed

• Sudden change in eating and sleeping habits

However, the health authority has also provided a list of solutions to deal with these problems.

Psychological support methods for children

• Be a role model

• Reassure your child that they are safe and that it is okay to feel upset

• Explain how to cope with stress

• It is very important to develop a daily routine filled with activities for your child

• Be aware of what your child knows about the disease

• Take some time to talk to your child about the Covid-19 pandemic, how to prevent it and the reason for staying home

• Take breaks and take care of yourself so that you can take care of your child

• Monitor the information that your child receives through news coverage and social media that can cause him or her to get scared