7 Important Ways to Help Kids Thrive During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Nurturing resiliency and a growth mindset in kids throughout your darkest days

Are you at wit’s end yet — like most parents these days — when it comes to coping with your kids in a pandemic?

I hear you. Read on for some surefire tips (that I’ve noticed have been sorely lacking in the media) for how to support your kids during these gloomy pandemic days.

I’m very fortunate to have three “older” children — 17, 19, and 21 — two of whom are rather introverted like me. (Actually, I’m more like a happy hermit.)

In fact, they’ve both said that they prefer remote learning to in-person. There’s no pressure to dress just right, look your best, impress others, etc.

Just pop into virtual class wearing sweats or PJs — why not?

But I know this is not the case for most families. Many, many friends have told me horror stories they’ve encountered during online learning starting in March 2020 right up to today.

You probably can relate.

Yikes! I just heard that NYC students staged a walkout today, demanding a remote option due to skyrocketing Omicron cases, hospitalizations, and deaths — including kids. Sounds like things are heating up again.

There’s so much flux and last-minute changes about in-person schooling these days your head must be spinning.

Your kids, too, are super anxious and frustrated.

To offer assistance, I stretched way back in my not-so-distant memory when I was a super busy, extremely stressed out, work-from-home single mom homeschooling my three kiddos.

To be honest, I’m pretty sure a global pandemic would’ve totally done us in. I salute each and every parent doing the impossible — every day.

For you, deep down in the trenches, I present seven of my tried-and-true, when-all-else-fails strategies to rise above the chaos.

Why kids need extra love during the Covid-19 pandemic

There are two huge areas that kids are dealing with now, probably for the first times in their lives: deep grief and profound uncertainty.

Kids’ grief during the Covid-19 pandemic

Plenty of educational “experts” claim that 2020 and 2021 were “lost” years. According to their theory, we must keep schools open in order to prevent 2022 from becoming another “lost” year.

I beg to differ.

The fact is: kids are grieving. They have been grieving since day 1. If not the loss of a parent, grandparent, teacher, or friend, then the loss of social activities, playing with friends, participating in sports, etc.

How can you expect kids to learn — or perform academically — under these trying circumstances?

You can’t.

Give them — and yourself — a break.

Do what you can by supporting virtual learning as I described at length in several articles like this one or that one. Consider homeschooling if you can.

Just keep in mind that now is not the time to expect great things academically. And that’s okay! It’s taking enormous brain power to process loss and come to grips with uncertainty. Back up their efforts in the ways I detail below.

Above all, tell your kids over and over that you love them and you got their backs forever!

Kids’ uncertainty during the Covid-19 pandemic

Even more unsettling for many people — kids and adults alike — is the growing sense of uncertainty hanging over everything. Over holidays. Birthdays. Graduations. Vacations. Just staying alive and healthy. And the list goes on and on.

You’ve probably heard a bazillion times from your children:

When will life return ‘to normal’?

Unfortunately, NO ONE KNOWS, despite all the predictions you’ll hear from politicians, public health officials, physicians, school administrators, or family members.

So, it’s critical to make today — whatever it looks like — the “new normal” for you and your kids.

It all comes down to mind over matter.

5 ways to help your kids thrive during a pandemic

After digging deep into my arsenal of last-ditch techniques to turn frowns into smiles, practiced and perfected over 20 years of parenting, here are strategies to promote positive thinking, resilience, and good health in your kids.

1. Let kids own their negative emotions during the Covid-19 pandemic

At this point during what seems like an eternal pandemic, when your kids are trying really, really hard to stay behaved, pleasant, and/or productive but it’s just not working, allow them the freedom to “let it all out.”

Not forever, but as least until they get so tired they collapse in bed or on the floor from tiredness.

When needed, for instance:

• Invest in boxing gloves and a boxing ball you hang in a door frame. Let ’em at it!
• Pillow fights. As long as it doesn’t turn into a fistfight.
• Screaming contests. Who really can scream the loudest? Take turns and find out! (Don’t try this one at night. You know, neighbors.)
• Water games. Because conventional balloons are so bad for the environment, I suggest using plastic bags that once held food. You may not be able to burst them, but as long as above the neck is off limits, this is an excellent way to relieve frustrations. Then reuse the bag for something else.

2. Let kids wallow in their sorrow for awhile during the Covid-19 pandemic

I say this in all seriousness.

Don’t hound your kids into constant productivity. This could drive them to self-harm or serious depression.

Get professional help if you feel it’s needed. Follow your gut instinct as a parent. (You know what I mean.)

Don’t blame and shame them by asking “What’s wrong with you?”

You know the pandemic is what’s wrong.

Be gentle with them — as you should be with yourself.

Of course, provide emotional outlets: empty journals, colored paper, poster board, crayons, markers, paint, etc. Musical instruments, a dance mat, a sympathetic ear, a should to cry on.

Admitting you feel angry, frustrated, sad, etc. is absolutely essential for getting closer to handling it, and, hopefully, overcoming it. True for adults. True for kids.

3. Mindfulness for kids during the Covid-19 pandemic

With little ones, playful yoga poses are always a hit, especially when you practice with them.

My children’s favorites at that age were the dog and the dolphin poses.

Here’s a cool video to get you started:

Meditative music like this selection from Buddha Tribe playing in the background facilitates attentiveness.

Admittedly, things get a little more challenging with older teens. It makes no sense to say “Time for mindfulness training, guys!”

These days, my daughter enjoys lavender baths. My lacrosse player picks up his gear and meets up with buddies (outside, of course). My youngest may spend hours in the kitchen cooking up a special meal with the peppers he grew in our organic garden last summer.

Anything calming that focuses and soothes the soul counts in my book as “mindfulness.” Explore new possibilities with this, and see how restorative mindfulness can be.

4. Gratitude practice for kids during the Covid-19 pandemic

This is probably the toughest one of all for kids.

Many people in rich countries — like the United States — feel entitled to all the things that make up 21st century living. For kids, this includes: easy access to food, drink, and entertainment — on demand. Nice clothes. Cool shoes. The latest toys and electronics. Air conditioning. Places to go on vacation. Their own bedroom.

But the global health crisis has plunged many families into pandemic poverty. Many 21st century givens are now gone — or hanging by a thread.

Plus, there’s widespread job loss and sickness everywhere you turn.

At times like these, turn your children’s attention to the “little things.” Verbally express your gratitude for them. Then watch it catch on, naturally. (Warning: You may need to prompt your “tough guy” older kids.)

Some of these “little things” include:

• Nourishing food
• A warm bed
• Ability to see, hear, walk, and talk
• Loving family members
• Friends
• Pets
• Medical care

Whenever you feel like your kids are getting a little too comfortable and whining excessively about how bad their life is: form a circle, hold hands, and speak thankfulness for all you have. Take turns. Repeat.

5. Exercise for kids during the Covid-19 pandemic

Exercise is the #1 way to keep your kids socially active and safe from Covid-19 — as long as you’re outside, six feet (or more) away from each other, and wearing N95 masks.

Why all these precautions? Better to err on the side of caution at all times than risk landing in the hospital and possibly becoming a Covid long hauler (of unknown prognosis).

So, plan playdates and get-togethers galore. Pickup sports is a great option. Dog walking another. Hiking, skating, biking, or whatever you enjoy doing.

Just get outside and do it! Be sure to dress appropriately and keep hydrated.

Moms & Dads: Join in the fun, too! Not only is exercise a huge stress reducer; it’ll boost your mood. You’ll sleep better, too.

6. Sleep hygiene for kids during the Covid-19 pandemic

Does it seem like the pandemic has mixed up your days and nights? Unfortunately, a pandemic will do that.

I know that if I don’t get enough sound sleep — “sound” is the key — watch out! I’m not a happy camper.

Don’t expect you kids to be, either.

So if you and your kids slipped out of sync with circadian rhythms and want to get back in the groove:

1. Gradually shift up wake up time. This is especially important if you’re way off track (like sleeping in until noon or — gasp! — later). Do this in 15–20 minute increments earlier and earlier every 2–3 days until you get to where you want to be.
2. Kick them out of their rooms by 8 am (or whatever wake up time you’ve designated) at the latest. Make their rooms a sleep sanctuary. Nothing else happens there.
3. Set a time every night (8 or 9 pm for little ones, 10 or 11 pm for teens) for a “sleep routine” — and keep to it. As a prelude 30 minutes before that time every night, takes baths/showers, brush teeth, bedtime story, hugs and kisses, etc.
4. Before the sleep routine gets under way, shut down all electronics to help deactivate their brains from stimulation.
5. Likewise, set a “wake up routine” to ease the transition from sleep to a new day. Going outside as a family and greeting the sun with a short walk or run is a guaranteed, brisk way to kick the day-night cycle into high gear — and keep that clock set.
6. For 5s and under, a one-hour nap before 2 pm may be needed. (Depends on crankiness levels.)

7. Nutrition for kids during the Covid-19 pandemic

Hanger (hunger + anger) is a thing. Any mom who’s experienced their 3- or 4-year-old who has eaten in awhile writhing on the grocery store floor screaming at the top of their lungs knows this all too well.

There is a physiological reason for this. Low blood sugar from lack of food makes cortisol levels hit the roof. Since cortisol is the stress hormone, a person feels more wired. Expect irritability, emotional outbursts, temper tantrums, angry words, etc.

To prevent this, head it off from the get-go.

High-protein or -fat foods are your best choice for slow-release energy minus sugar rushes followed by crashes that you get from carbs, especially highly processed, simple carbs.

I keep these available at all times and use them like “nutrition bursts”:

• Nuts, nuts, and more nuts!
• Beef and salmon jerky
• Avocado-tuna dip with raw veggie sticks
• Nut or seed butter cookies (with stevia)
• Hard-boiled eggs

Key takeaways on ways to help kids during the Covid-19 pandemic

There’s no doubt that we’re living in extraordinary times due to SARS-CoV2. It’s also true that our children are bearing the brunt of it.

They’re missing out — in many ways — from normal social development. While you stand by, helpless to really change the state of affairs. You can’t know who’s carrying the virus everywhere you go, so you wisely stay away. And stay home.

In this article, I suggest seven ways to help your kids thrive in the sincere hope that you and your family make the best of a horrible situation. Maybe even come out stronger?

Sadly, today my wish for you seems like a distant pipe dream to many parents. Please remember that you’re currently engaged in the most important task of your life: nurturing your children to become mature, functional, and loving adults who are both mentally and physically healthy. In a pandemic and after.

All the best to you! Feel free to contact me with questions or if you need extra help. Let me know in the responses how you’re doing!

Are you homeschooling or thinking about it as Omicron invades schools worldwide? For tips on successful home learning from a 12-year veteran homeschooler and a former teacher (preK-12), check out my site www.eurekahomelearning.com. Better yet, sign up for my newsletter to get a biweekly dose of field-tested home learning wisdom rooted in love, fun activity ideas, educational product reviews, plus loads of encouragement and inspiration to make home learning at your house fantastic for all.