Tips to Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Covid Edition

How’s it going, what’s going on? How are we doing? Like for realz? I wanted to share with you all some stress management resources for children that we have found beneficial in our house during this crazy stressful time.

Where our heads are at:

It’s been a whole lot of the same around here and I am definitely feeling the covid fatigue and I feel like there is no end in sight. Lately I have had a lot less patience for the kiddos as their their addiction to Fortnite is growing. That is ALL THEY WANT TO DO! But then it’s like; I’m not going to do arts and crafts all day, I have shit to do to. Then when I finally get a bug up my ass to be a hands on mom, they lose their minds and melt down. Needless to say, I am not the only one dealing with this, but is still sucks balls.
Soooo, I thought I would share the few things that have been keeping us sane in this house and making me feel not so much like a shit parent:

Daily Calendar:

This is probably the easiest and most effective resource. A fluid daily calendar is a very gentle form of structure, but it’s structure. As an educator I know more than anything, kids crave structure and routine, especially if they are neurodivergent. Knowing what happens next, or how to reach your next milestone or task gives kids a sense of control. In a time where it feels like nothing is certain and the other shoe is just dangling there all day just ready to drop. Giving kids a routine and schedule gives them something they can rely on something when everything else feels out of their control. Every night, my youngest (most anxious kiddo) asks me; what are we doing tomorrow? I have found that since we started this gentle schedule he is able to rest easier knowing what is in store for him.

Here are some cute boards you could use:

Weekly White Board, Magnetic White Board, Chalk Board

Screen Time Rules:

I have such a love hate relationship with technology right now. On the one hand, it is a phenomenal babysitter and they are able to interact with their school friends online. On the other hand, it makes my kids lazy, raging, anxious jerks. My boys know not to even think about touching that stupid Xbox before they:

1. Make your bed
2. Eat Breakfast
3. Brush your teeth
4. Get dressed
5. Clean your room
6. Lose the trash attitude

These Books:

My youngest son Wyatt is very anxious, and has struggled the most out of everyone in the house over the past few months. We have been working really hard on him, and I will definitely share more about his journey in the future. Until then, these resources have been an excellent help in empowering him and teaching him how to work through a lot of the feelings he is experiencing.

Jane’s Worry Elephant (He loves this book!)

The Coping Cat ( These are amazing manuals. Here’s an article about CBT if you wanna learn more.

Parenting Toolbox

Grounding:

“Grounding is a practice that can help you pull away from flashbacks, unwanted memories, and negative or challenging emotions.

These techniques may help distract you from what you’re experiencing and refocus on what’s happening in the present moment.

You can use grounding techniques to help create space from distressing feelings in nearly any situation, but they’re especially helpful if you’re dealing with.” Source: Healthline

5 Simple Grounding Practices include:

1. Walking barefoot through grass or sand.
2. Inhaling a scent like essential oils, flowers, candles and savoring the smell.
3. Moving your body and focusing on how each movement feels as you move. Yoga is great for this.
4. Take 5: Observing and acknowledge all 5 senses in your surroundings.
5. Taking deep breathes outside in fresh air

Swimming:

We are so blessed to be able to swim at my mom’s pool. I know that not everybody has access to the beach or the pool, but as I have mentioned before; water is incredibly theraputic. We try to get in a swim at least once a week at her pool, or hit the beach for a little boogie boarding. If you can’t do that, we also have this ridiculous water bouncer that I panic bought when the stay at home orders started, and the kids are obsessed.

I hope this is helpful! Let me know what I can do to help you get through this tough time. We are in this together!

Hang in there my friends! Stay safe, and always Be Bold!

Xo

Betsy

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