As we move into this next phase , and our children head back to school , camps , clubs , and sports , here are 4 ways we can support them .
• Pay attention . We need to talk to our children about what they are feeling , but more than give advice or cheer them on , we need to hear them out . We need to offer them a safe place to feel all of their conflicting emotions , to tell us about them without us trying to fix them or brush them away . Our kids have been through so much over the last year and a half , and they need to be heard and understood . So , just listen to your children with empathy and compassion for their experiences . If they ’ re not talking , you can listen to their behavior . If they ’ re acting out more , irritable , anxious , or displaying more physical symptoms of anxiety , this means they are stressed and need some extra support .
• Give them some control . You may be raring to go with all the activities you were involved in before , and if your child is as well , that ’ s fine , but many children will need time to transition back to “ normal .” Let your child know that they don ’ t have to jump back into all the things at once . Allow them some autonomy to decide what ’ s best for them in regards to activities . There has been so much to happen that they have had no control over , so allowing them to have some control over the activities and events they attend could feel very empowering . If they feel more anxious than before about getting out there , offer support and encouragement . If your child needs to ease back in gradually , honor their emotional process and trust that they are doing the best they can .
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