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East Hartford Youth Services Offers Guidance on How Children and Families Can Cope with the Pandemic and Social Distancing Together

Posted on: April 20, 2020 - 11:23am
youth services pandemic

East Hartford, CT— Children and families are trying to process their emotions and manage anxiety during this coronavirus pandemic. It is clear that there is a need for children to talk about their fears and find ways to cope with this current reality.  Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations and for children it especially important to have access to trusted adults (especially their parents/guardians) who will listen to their concerns, offer support, and give suggestions of ways to cope.

It is important for parents to take their children’s “emotional temperature.”  Do this by asking how they are feeling as well as answering their questions in an honest, age appropriate way.  Children have a need to “understand” what is happening, talk about their emotions, and to be reassured things will get better.

Parents need to be on the lookout for signs that your child may be feeling stressed. These include: 

  • Children becoming overly quiet and/or withdrawn.
  • They may start “acting out” more than normal.
  • Excessive crying or more easily frustrated.
  • Fear and worry about family member’s health, especially those family members they cannot regularly see now such as grandparents. 
  • Problems with sleep and concentration.

It is evident that this pandemic and social distancing will continue for an unknown, extended period.  It is important to routinely check in with how your child is doing emotionally.  If you feel that they, or you as a parent/guardian, need help or guidance to cope, East Hartford Youth Services staff are available by phone (860-291-7179) Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm.

We are happy to talk with you, share valuable information and resources and help families cope with this new reality. It is our aim to help and support youth and families of our community to get through this crisis while building resiliency to withstand ongoing emotional turmoil and an ability to recover quickly from the difficult conditions of the current pandemic.  

If you or your children need help or guidance to cope with the current situation, East Hartford Youth Services staff are available by phone (860-291-7179) Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm.