As adults, we experience normative stress but since the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot more non-normative stress has been added. Adults may have a lot on their plate with their jobs, finances, food, and emotions, but we must also think about our children. Children are having to adapt just as we are and they are having to change their schedules too. We know how we might feel but let us make sure to ask our children what they might be dealing with. We also need to watch our children and make sure to monitor how our children are reacting to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Most children will manage well with the support of parents and other family members, even if showing signs of some anxiety or concerns, such as difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Some children, however, may have risk factors for more intense reactions, including severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal behaviors. Risk factors can include a pre-existing mental health problem, prior traumatic experiences or abuse, family instability, or the loss of a loved one. Parents and caregivers should contact a professional if children exhibit significant changes in behavior or any of the following symptoms for more than 2 weeks.”
This website shows some signs of behavior changes that children might show depending on their age.
“Preschoolers—thumb sucking, bedwetting, clinging to parents, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, fear of the dark, regression in behavior, and withdrawal.
Elementary school children—irritability, aggressiveness, clinginess, nightmares, school avoidance, poor concentration, and withdrawal from activities and friends.
Adolescents—sleeping and eating disturbances, agitation, increase in conflicts, physical complaints, delinquent behavior, and poor concentration.”