From: Raina Jones
Columbus
In Indiana, and across the country, as we continue to be socially distancing, it brings concern that this will impact one of our most vulnerable populations: children. As children are unable to attend their regular activities in and out of school, it also isolates them away from trusted adults that can be making sure they are OK.
Parents and caregivers are under a great amount of stress right now due to COVID-19. Many children may be more affected by this growing stress than you may think. Stress has been identified as one of the leading factors in child abuse. So, how can we protect children and reduce stress in the home?
The number one thing is to stay connected. Just because we are physically distancing ourselves right now does not mean we have to be isolated in our homes. We as human beings, the young and old, need social connections. We can continue to build our connections by staying connected with family members or friends through phone calls, Skype, Facetime, Zoom or one of the many other social platforms.
Having a daily routine that includes exercise and breaks from technology is also important. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to the news. Hearing about COVID-19 repeatedly can be upsetting. Take time to relax and unwind by going for a walk, enjoy the outside, practice yoga or other meditative practices.
The stress that we are feeling as adults also can make children feel stressed. Remember, many things are being cancelled too. Everything from birthday parties, play dates and sleep overs. Our calendars are now being filled with eLearning and working from home.
This is a great time to stay connected with our children. We can play board games, make crafts, read a book, or have a pajama dance party in the afternoon. This list can be endless.
We do not need fancy store-bought supplies to make crafts with our children. Have them go for a walk outside and collect items to glue, bend or stick together. Make games by placing a start (leaf or other outdoor item) and a finish line (rock, etc.) and do races. Breath in the outdoor air and use up energy to avoid feeling the stress that we are all feeling in the world right now.
More resoruces:
• Family Service Inc. 812-372-3745 www.familyservicebc.org.
• Dept of Child Services 1-800-800-5556.
• Darkness to Light D2L.org.
• Indiana 211 www.in.211.org.
• Prevent Child Abuse America www.preventchildabuse.org.
