Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Article Image Alt Text
  • Article Image Alt Text
    Dr. Roshni Koli gives some tips of how to talk to your kids about coronavirus. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Kids and Coronavirus – a few tips

Dr. Roshni Koli is a Child and Adolescent psychiatrist and Medical Director for Pediatric Mental Health Services for Dell Children’s Medical Center. She is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin.

During this period of pandemic people, especially children, can be out of sorts due to isolation and being out of their normal schedule. There are ways to handle the situation.

“One way is to acknowledge that the situation is hard and stressful to the children and to parents too, who can find it challenging… Younger children can act out with their behavior. There can be more tantrums, sleep patterns disrupted; they are not with their friends at school, they are out of their everyday routine. It is really hard on kids.” Here are some points to keep in mind when dealing with children during this time:

1. Remain calm – what we say and what we do is important. Being there to listen to the kids and their concerns about what is going on and what is worrisome.

2. Keep as much of a normal schedule as possible. Set a time for lessons and homework. Have a regular bedtime and wake up time, to brush their teeth, things that bring normalcy to life.

3. They are certainly not alone. There is so much unknown in the country and the community, and it may be experienced for a long time. That’s understandable.

4. An outlet is needed to leave one feeling more calm and centered. Get outside with some fresh air and go for walks. Getting in nature is a good point.

5. Keep your social distance but keep socially connected, Facetime, Zoom, connect with friends and family.

6. Adults can also find comfort being in a schedule. They should have builtin work, physical activity, and they should eat well. We should take good care of ourselves.

Part of this is the unknown. We don’t realize how serious this is. It’s never been more important to wear a mask, keep social distancing and wash your hands. If others don’t adhere to the steps, take a step back, you can only control yourself and not others. It is not your responsibility.

Do your best to lower the trauma. You are empowered to do what is right. Stay home will help the current situation. Take it one day at a time. Keep doing what you are doing. Know that those at the hospitals and healthcare workers are doing their best to take care of the community and they will keep trying.”

Wimberley View

P.O. Box 49
Wimberley, TX 78676
Phone: 512-847-2202
Fax: 512-847-9054