The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on children and teens. Changes in school and family routines, seclusion at home due to illness or the loss of a family member and worried parents have all affected children. Unfortunately, the epidemic persists as new COVID-19 mutations emerge.
Pediatric practices have a responsibility to play in helping children and their families through this difficult time and can have a significant impact on the health of their patients now and in the future.
The doctor and former child and family therapist at Boston Children’s Hospital, Elizabeth Rider, MSW, MD, urges parents to bring up the topic of COVID during well-child or sick-child appointments. When assessing a child’s needs, it’s crucial to consider the entire family, not just the youngster.
Rider and her colleagues propose in a detailed Practice Pointer article in BMJ that pediatric practitioners compare their findings with the well-being and mental health state of the kid before to the epidemic. A mental health condition may be indicated by certain responses, in which case you should seek professional help.
The majority of patients’ reactions to the pandemic will be in accordance with their expected development. Some children and adolescents may be at risk for more serious distress, even if they don’t display any evident indicators of distress A person’s mental health and well-being is more likely to be jeopardized if they have a history of trauma, behavioral health issues, learning disabilities, or physical disabilities.
Parents should be asked about their children’s families’ difficulties, such as financial hardship or lack of access to technology. As Rider explains, “There are many possibilities: the family is trapped with an abuser, they don’t have food, or a grandparent has died.” It can be tough to have these conversations, but parents appreciate the effort since it helps them better understand their child and their family’s position.
Parents’ efforts to be empathic towards their children should be bolstered, not undermined. Instill in them a sense of self-confidence by demonstrating healthy coping options like exercising, spending time outdoors, and seeing friends with COVID-19 safety procedures. Families can use Rider’s age-specific advice to better understand their child’s behavior as they progress through several phases of development.
Young children (0 to 3 years old): Even though they may not be able to fully comprehend what is going on around them, infants and toddlers are able to pick up on people’ emotional states. Remain comforting, calm, and collected.
Primary worries for preschoolers (ages 3 to 5) are safety and the separation from their families. Simply respond to their queries. Encourage your children to wash their hands, wear a mask, and maintain a safe distance from strangers in order to prevent the spread of disease. Family members’ whereabouts should be communicated to them.
As the pandemic progresses, older children may have numerous questions and concerns about their own well-being. Respond to their inquiries in a straightforward and sincere manner. Ask about their thoughts. Encourage your family and friends to get involved in charitable endeavors.
Thirteen to seventeen-year-olds: Children and teenagers are aware of the consequences of the pandemic and may be concerned about the future. Social justice, economic and social consequences, and long-term health difficulties may be topics of discussion for them. Have a conversation: Try to understand what they’re seeing and hearing by asking them questions.
All ages are welcome here: As much as possible, keep up with usual home routines. Consider limiting or supervising the media coverage of the pandemic for youngsters if it is safe to do so. Children’s fears about the epidemic should be respected and validated because avoiding the topic will make it more frightening.