While children are among the least likely to contract the coronavirus, they are nevertheless very likely to be emotionally impacted by the challenges of social distancing. Child trauma experts at the Child Trends and the Child Trauma Training Center at the University of Massachusetts developed an excellent guide for parents to support their children’s emotional well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the experts explain, the lifestyle adjustments necessary to combat the spread of the coronavirus disrupt children’s sense of security and stability. Since Harvard researchers are projecting that we may need to continue social distancing to some extent well into the future, and since Governor Polis is recommending that Coloradans continue to stay home as much as possible even after the stay-at-home orders are lifted, parents should be prepared to provide ongoing emotional support to their children.
The experts recommend the following measures to help your children succeed while in home isolation:
Taking steps to ensure that your children thrive during the pandemic is not only best for your children but is also a great way to prevent disputes with your co-parent.