Families and communities are built and sustained by people working together toward a common goal. During this current COVID-19 epidemic it is vitally important we all take a moment to remember that our children and youth are watching us the adults of our community.
COMMUNITYChildren listen to not only the words that we use but the tone and texture of our words. Even young babies can tell if a word is spoken in love or hate, fear or anger.
A publication Artful Thinkers – 9 Social Graces and Business Etiquette Tips for Building Relationships by Peter Drucker reminds us that ” The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.”
As small children, we should be taught to listen, make eye contact, give someone our full attention, be on time, remember a person’s name, ignore rumors, avoid aggressive relationships, remember to say ‘thank-you’, attempt to understand different cultures, live up to our personal goals and most importantly acknowledge, love and respect ourselves and others.
The human brain stores more information than the Library of Congress and processes it faster than a computer. The better you treat your brain, the harder it will work for you, (WEBMD.COM UPFRONT)
The Guardian (July 23 2015) report studies that show children who live with fear…, can show wide-reaching effects. These range from psychological and emotional harm, and physical responses to educational and social impacts and relationship difficulties. Adverse childhood health experiences may affect attitudes and behaviors toward health and health care systems.
Young children are watching and listening as to how adults and parents handle this COVID-19 crisis. Children have an innate understand and healthy fear that this deadly virus threatens their lives and their family. They see grandparents and in some cases their parents admitted to the local hospital and never return. Everyone in the house uses the term ‘virus’ when talking about ‘how daddy died’ so ‘Little Johnny’ is well aware of how terrible COVID-19 is. “The virus took his daddy away – the virus killed daddy.”
CHILD
As adults dealing with this raging surge of COVID-19 remember the Social Graces … for Building Relationships when we comfort our young children.
Remember eye contact is important when discussing sad news even with a young child.
Answer the child’s questions honestly
Speak the truth to your child but always temper it according to their age level – remember a child’s age should always be considered
Talk to the child, they know you’re tired and scared
Encourage the child to talk about how they feel
Allow the child to express their emotions
Let the child know that you will always try to keep them safe
As a trusted guide we are mentoring our children through this COVID-19 crisis. Our children are borrowing our knowledge to help them survive – watching our character, competence, and dedication. The Human Condition is a strong, generational saga. As we tutor our children we will guard them and do our best to keep them safe.
