Monday, March 16, 2020

Pandemic Panic

During this virus pandemic, my husband and I have enough supplies for two weeks so we don’t have to go shopping more than necessary. Normally, my husband loves to go to the grocery store every day! The odds are better for us on staying healthy if we stay away from others as much as possible.

The news is constantly updating on places that are closed and events that are canceled.

This is a scary time for those of us who understand what is going on. For our young people and children, this can all be very alarming because they don’t understand what is happening. For those with intellectual disabilities, this can be extremely frightening too.

This is the time to reassure the children and those with disabilities that with precautions, they will be okay.

It is a good time to go over with them about the precautions they should take to stay healthy. This includes washing hands often and staying away from large crowds.

Many schools are closing and children are staying home. During this time, enjoy the time with your children and use it as an opportunity for bonding activities such as cooking, baking, cleaning, organizing, and arts and crafts. Help your child start a journal and write/draw in it every day. Teach your child a new skill such as knitting, crocheting, painting, or sculpting. If you don’t know how to do these, learn alongside your child by watching YouTube videos together.

By doing activities together, it will help the child from feeling isolated and lonely. Keeping active will help keep the fear and anxiety at bay.

What other ways can we comfort those who are too young or disabled to understand what is going on? Please share.

Photo by Japheth Mast on Unsplash

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