Easing back to normal

For many children, it’s been more than a year since they’ve been in a classroom, on a sports field or even inside a friend’s house. So as more Americans get COVID-19 vaccines, and families start easing back into old routines, it’s important to consider whether your child is ready.

How can you know? Consider how your child has reacted so far to the pandemic, and the restrictions it’s caused, experts say.

“As your child adjusted to remote learning or curtailed social activities, did it affect them in a positive or negative way?” says Stephanie De La Cruz, clinical director for Center for Child Counseling in Palm Beach Gardens “How they reacted before can act as a baseline for introducing these new shifts.”  

Explain expectations to your children and develop a plan for how to cope, De La Cruz suggests. Consider using calendars and visual aids so children understand when things will happen and what the rules are.  

Ali Cunningham Abbott, associate professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lynn University in Boca Raton, agrees. She recommends talking through the scenarios, and starting small – with a lighter, more flexible schedule.

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No more air hugs

COVID-19 vaccines are bringing lingering embraces and heart-melting cuddles for grandparents and other relatives after more than a year of isolation. But what if that long-anticipated moment with a grandchild, niece or nephew turns heart crushing instead? Remember, children change a lot in a year, and some children were born during the pandemic and have never met their extended family. 

So although relatives may have been waiting eagerly for the day to reconnect, it’s important to respect children's space – especially if they haven't seen the adult in a while.

Some tips from local mental health experts:

• Talk about the reunion, and what children can expect, in advance to make it less stressful.
• Bring along an art project, photos, or a special book or toy, to help children and adults connect.
• Take it slow and allow the child to guide the interaction.
• Try not to take a child’s hesitation personally.

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Parenting in a Pandemic? Give yourself a break

After a year of intense parenting during COVID-19, it’s easy to neglect yourself while caring for your family. But simple self-care practices can help calm you when the load becomes too heavy.

“Spending some downtime each day to concentrate on your thoughts and your needs is the right thing to do,” says Darla Mullenix, a therapist at the Center for Child Counseling.

Others agree.

“Go ahead and eat that second cookie or take a nap when the kids are safely resting as long as it makes you feel good about yourself,” says Jamie-Lyn Richartz, director of Counseling Services at Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County.

And don’t expect things to be perfect. Just like you, your children may be stressed and overwhelmed, feeling isolated from friends and social activities.

“It’s OK to give them a little extra screen time and give yourself a break,” says Ljubica “Jibby” Ciric, vice president of Child and Family Mental Health Services at Alpert Jewish Family Service of Palm Beach County.

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