Speak about emotions
Your children (because of their age) can be especially frustrated about the quarantine and share the frustration with you. They may have a sense of assault on their fundamental rights and restrictions on freedom. Being with the parents and siblings much longer than usual can cause conflicts, crises and arguments. Talk with them about it. Show them how to perceive the situation as temporary. Show them that staying at home is the only way of fighting against the pandemic. Show them that they are in the same situation as teenagers all over the world.
Speak about facts
It’s good to speak with teenagers about the current situation. When they lack
information, or when they get lost in distinguishing between what is a fact and what is a rumour, or when they are overloaded with information, they may become more nervous, irritable and uncertain. Give the opportunity to your child to name their fears, to ask questions, to share their knowledge about Coronavirus.
It’s natural to feel stress, anxiety and worry during the outbreak of coronavirus disease. But if you observe that your child:
- is feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety;
- has difficulty concentrating;
- has difficulty in falling asleep or has nightmares,
- has physical reactions such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems
please do not hesitate to contact a specialist or Akademeia High School Wellbeing Team.
