With some children feeling cut off from friends and other support systems during this pandemic, developing conversations with your kids can be essential to support them. As the Manager of Berkeley's Mental Health Division, I have some suggestions that may help you.

The shelter in place can bring feelings of disappointment as many long-planned activities and events are postponed, cancelled, or altered. Children may also have questions or be confused about the new virus. People of any age, from kids to adults, can experience increased worry, anxiety and sadness.

Those feelings may prompt certain behaviors. It is not uncommon to see changes including irritability, excessive crying in young children, returning to behaviors that had been outgrown, unhealthy eating or sleeping habits, poor school performance, avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past, or difficulty concentrating.

How to Support Children and Teens

• Talk to your child or teen 
  Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that they can understand. Start the conversation by asking what they have heard about the virus. Encourage your child to talk about their concerns and share their questions. See below for age appropriate resources.

• Provide reassurance that they are safe 
  Before starting a conversation, take the time to manage your own anxiety and fears. A calm demeanor and voice will help reassure your child. Let your child or teen know it is ok if they feel upset and take their fears seriously. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.

• Limit exposure to news coverage 
  Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand. Limit exposure to news, including social media.

• Keep to a routine 
  Try to keep up with regular routines. As local schools are now closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities. Exercise, journaling and drawing can be enjoyable activities that also help children process and manage anxiety.

• Model healthy behaviors 
  One of the best things you can do to support children in your life is to practice healthy behaviors yourself.  Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.

Resources for Families, Parents and Children

• 10 tips for talking to your kids about COVID-19 with your kids, PBS SoCal provides overall tips with concreate examples of words and phrases to use.  

• Coping After a Disaster, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides an activity book to help younger children.

• Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus, NPR provides a kid friendly resource for elementary school aged children.

• How to Talk to Your Anxious Child or Teen About Coronavirus, Anxiety and Depression Association of America provides tips and resources for children and teens predisposed to feeling more anxious in new or unusual situations.

• Mental Health America Resources for Parents, MHA provides a host of resources for families on a range of topics related to COVID-19.

Resources for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbances

The City of Berkeley Mental Health Family, Youth and Children's Clinic is open by phone.  If you have a child or youth with a serious emotional disturbance and need treatment, the Mental Health Division offers phone assessment, Monday through Friday, 9am -4pm at (510) 981-7642.

The COVID-19 outbreak and social distancing brings challenges to both children and adults. Take the time to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Find opportunities to make positive changes as the outbreak continues.

Visit cityofberkeley.info/covid19 for additional information on COVID-19, additional articles on supporting your mental health, recommendations from Berkeley Public Health, and changes to City services.