Therapist Offers Advice To Parents Amid Distance Learning, Coronavirus Pandemic

Death, sickness, job losses: It’s certainly enough to cause anxiety for anyone. Children can be especially anxious during this time.  

The start of distance learning may make things worse.

Therapist Jenni Ross said it’s OK for parents to give themselves a break and realize you aren’t a trained teacher. She said be easy on your kids, too.

“If you’re up here with home school,” Ross said as she held her hand above her head. “And it’s rigorous and let’s get this done, it’s gong to make them more anxious.”

Ross said to stay positive and talk with your kids about what they’re hearing and feeling. Don’t dismiss their feelings but offer assurances and validation with honesty.

“This is a hard time and people are sick. And what I know is in our house people are following the rules and you are showing them social responsibility and letting them be a part of it,” she said.

That doesn’t mean you have to stay inside. Experts say going out for a walk or a bike ride if it’s nice can be great for everyone’s mental health.

“Just engaging, don’t let them hold up in their room. Putting limits on screen time move their bodies, all of this is going to help with their anxiety and it’s going to help with ours, too,” she said.

Ross is posting advice on her Facebook page.