Bridget Roberts, LMHC
CHILD & FAMILY THERAPY AND CONSULTATION
Tips for mask wearing:
Managing emotions:
1. When groups of parents are in agreement about the rules, children are more apt to follow them because they are collective rules. Be the one to start the conversation with other caregivers in your circle!
2. Help kids to develop empathy by thinking about the purpose of wearing a mask. One reason is to protect vulnerable people like their grandparents, elderly neighbors, or even peers with asthma and other respiratory issues. By wearing a mask they are showing they care for and respect others.
3. Encourage kids to be “leaders” and “role models” when socializing, by modeling for younger siblings and friends how to wear the mask properly (over mouth and nose).
1. Children take cues from parents and other adults in their lives. Remember, anxiety, like other positive and negative feelings, can be contagious. The more you feel in control of your emotions, the more grounded your child will feel.
2. Validate your child’s feelings (I can see you are worried, I know this can be difficult) (I know you feel angry, I feel that way sometimes too) and help them work through the feelings by developing positive outlets.
3. Children who can label their feelings (“I feel _____ when ____”) tend to have greater levels of self control and emotional regulation.
4. Time spent outdoors and in nature are instinctively calming, and paired with exercise/physical movement can help children release tension and overwhelming feelings.
"Mask Up!" a social story for children dealing with the effects of Covid- 19... email me to purchase a copy!
