Mindful Parenting during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Renowned Infant & Child Psychiatrist Dr. Jean Clinton tells us that the challenging behaviours and intense emotions we are seeing now in young children are coming from a place of stress. She is saying that through these behaviours, children are really asking, “Can you help me manage this stress?” and “Can you make my world predictable?”  We are all having a normal stress reaction to this abnormal situation, and children pick up on their parent’s energy and stress.

What can parents do? Most importantly, Dr. Clinton says, is to lend children their calm. Control what you can control.  Focus on the moment and be fully present with your child. Your relationship with your child is what is most important. Using Kristi Pretti-Frontczak’s strategies of mindfulness, parents can help their children feel safe, seen, soothed and secure. 

Children feel safe when they see their parent as a safe harbor. Slow down, use a soothing voice, avoid ignoring, invite calm, minimize distracting sounds, reduce directions and corrections, and stay connected with your child.

Children feel seen when they are encouraged and affirmed. Children know when we are really paying attention. Allow time for them to process big emotions. Try to take their perspective, and offer coping strategies. Give choices. Do you want a hug or do you want to stomp your feet?

Parents can reduce children’s stressors and soothe their nervous system. Strategies include taking a break, going for a walk, playing outside, listening to music, playing with a toy that uses fine motor skills or reading a book. The brain needs predictability. A daily routine with some flexibility including healthy food, regular activity, and good sleep is important. Focus on the positive, and plan something to look forward to.

Together, helping your child to feel safe, seen and soothed will help your child feel secure.

Written by Joyce Williams, Parent Support Coach

Sources:

Childreach