After enduring more than two years of lockdowns, isolation, sickness, grief, loss and uncertainty, our children are not alright! According to recent reports from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been increased instances of bullying and social media usage which are also impacting our kids!

Stress levels for our kids along with their parents and teachers are at an all time high. The Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said, “the future well-being of our country depends on how we support and invest in the next generation.”

Here are ways you can help your young child cope with feelings of sadness and anxiety. Start at an early age to foster inner resources.

1. Connect physically with your child and keep them close. Physical contact is essential for building security and safety. And a great way to bond with your child and uplift your spirit is to give piggy-back rides. For the child, the feeling of being carried immediately changes your child’s heartbeat from stressed fast pulse rate to a slower more relaxed one, this frees your child momentarily from the undercurrent of emotional distress. For the person giving the ride, having the closeness allows the next tip to happen easily- talking together in fun.

2. Talk and have fun with your child at times when things are undisturbed so they know you are there when they need you. Being present and close during the ride on your back opens the conversation for intimacy and sense of peacefulness which is very much needed to reassure you and your child.

3. Listen to your child without judgement and be patient as they express their feelings. Help them learn the words to identify their emotions. Say things like, “sounds like you were afraid of getting lost” or “maybe your friend just had made other plans but he still wants to be friends with you, or tell me more.”

4. Offer coping skills you can learn together such as, relaxation and visualization. Visit www.drroxannedaleo.com for FREE guided imagery relaxation audio.