Chesapeake In The Know

The world is a scary place for all of us right now so imagine what it’s like for our kids. If you have young ones at home – even those teenagers who act like nothing gets to them – you may be noticing changes in their behavior attributed to the stress and uncertainty of the times. This is completely normal. Here are a few ways you can ease the strain.

• Don’t watch or listen to the news while they’re around. Even the youngest of children can pick up on the tension and fear.
• Reassure your child that they are safe and it’s okay to feel upset. Help teach them how to deal with their stress.
• Maintain a routine as much as possible. Create a schedule and structure. Include playtime!
• Take care of yourself. Just like in airplanes when you have to put your oxygen mask on before helping your neighbor, don’t forget to take care of yourself whenever possible. They need you to be okay.

If you think your child’s stress is more than you can manage, don’t wait to get them help. Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Healthcare is available for counseling and other support services for parents and children by phone or video teleconferencing. Call them at 547-9334. For behavioral health crisis situations that require immediate intervention, call 548-7000 for 24/7 assistance.