Although
active Covid-19 case numbers are better in the Hudson Valley than in most parts
of the country, they are, on average, increasing in most of our neighborhoods
at present. In the Midwest and Mountain West, things are particularly bad, and
hospitals are overwhelmed, not unlike New York City in March and April. Here, thankfully,
not so much, although the official word, as reported by Christina Caron of the New York Times, is everyone
needs to be ready for what experts are calling “the third peak” of coronavirus.
For us, that
surge may not transpire as predicted. As Dr. Sean O’Leary, vice chairman of the
American Academy of Pediatrics’ committee on infectious diseases, says, “There
is some reason for hope that it won’t be horrible. But I think we don’t really
know.”
Regardless,
the inevitable anxiety over the possibility alone can be a problem. Caron offers some proactive tips that will, at the
very least, give you some sense of control, and could indeed be lifesaving.
READ MORE: A sick kid in the time of COVID
First and
foremost, she and the vast majority of health professionals advocate getting
both yourself and your kids vaccinated, particularly for the flu. Also, if your
child is attending on-site school, create a backup plan in case the school
shuts down again.
Once
again, a pro is advising parents to go easy on themselves, especially if they
are single. The Child Mind Institute in New York City, offers
advice on its website for single parents on how to mindfully manage child care, employment and the
pandemic, but the tips are useful for all.
As Caron
puts it: “Set the parenting bar lower. It’s
OK if your child is getting more screen time than usual or your go-to
lunch has become quesadillas.”
READ MORE: Coping, confidence, and coronavirus
She goes
on to give helpful tips on prioritizing your family’s mental health for the
months ahead by “implementing structure and routines” for your child.
“Stick to
consistent bedtimes and mealtimes. Even simple routines like getting dressed
every morning can offer much-needed structure. Weekly activities like pizza
night or movie night can give the whole family something to look forward to.”
Practicing
mindfulness and exhibiting it for your kids is helpful, too. Be grounded in
your body, your environment, and let your thoughts go.
Also,
stock up, but don’t hoard. The hope is the prediction of a Hudson Valley surge
will be like the faulty weather report that forecasts a snow day, and we all
wake up to a light dusting.
Other articles by HVP News Reporters