p>Before the conversation becomes all about summer camps or vacations or sports or plans to do the things at last that we've been unable to do, let's take a moment. Even the most fortunate children have suffered a mass death event like this. They have been cheated by many adults. They are more aware than they are likely to divulge to you (or be able to).
/p>
p>Do not try to return to the way you lived.
/p>
p>We're only beginning to collect data on the psychological effects of the pandemic on kids However, the most prominent indicators are worrying. According to the Children's Hospital Association, mental health emergencies for children aged 5-11 increased by 24% in the period between April and October last year. Even in areas with ample resources even for children who aren't directly affected by the pandemic school closings can disrupt routines and limit access to food. This can result in an increase in stress and anxiety among children.
/p>
p>Research has demonstrated that childhood trauma, especially if it is not addressed in the long run, can cause health issues. And even children who don't meet the official definition of experiencing "trauma," most of our kids have been through traumatic experiences without a doubt. Experts have been anticipating the effects of trauma on children since the beginning of the pandemic. But as parents, what are we going to do? What do we plan to do next week? In the hot days of summer?
/p>
p>Because I feel the instincts I worry that we will try to fix something that isn't able to be fixed through scheduling, planning and filling our schedules with the same activities that we avoided last year.
/p>
p>This summer, to the greatest extent possible, lighten up, slow down and let your children be kids. Let them breathe and discover their own way before you try to make up for the lost time.
/p>
p>JUST VIEWED
/p>
p>Psychologist sings on YouTube to help kids deal with stress
/p>
p>Replay
/p>
p>More Videos
/p>
p>MUST SEE
/p>
p>YouTube: A psychologist sings to help kids cope. 02:07
/p>
p>Here's why I'm going to follow my own advice. In December, when my family was at the lowest point I began to refer to children older than this year's "Gen C." Although I hope that it doesn't stay I can see evidence that my middle schoolers are suffering from burnout everywhere I go. They are sharper with their parents, less likely to listen (my daughter is hyper-verbal, and my son is non-verbal) and they are more open to new ideas. But 16 months of constant focus on our families in our homes, while the world reeled and shook, will result in this. We must be careful about bringing our children from Gen-C to the wild world of "zoomers" If we wish to do that.
/p>
p>There was a lot written about burnout and work culture over the past month. Charlie Warzel, co-author of a book about remote work and remote work, wrote an important essay asking bosses to grant employees a "summer slowdown."
/p>
p>Parents need to slow down and give their children time to rest. Don't flood your children with extra programs, extra schooling or otherwise trying to at once give them everything you want for this year and restore everything you lost during the pandemic. Let them breathe and grieve in the event of need. To be uncertain or angry. Try to create space to ease the pressures of this year and let trauma-related worries go, and to look for trouble spots where we may require more direct assistance.
/p>
p>I'm 12 years old , and this is the reason I received the Covid vaccination.
/p>
p>I've had to accept that the time is in fact lost. It's extremely difficult to accept that. I want my children to take it slow. My daughter wants to learn to fence and pick up a sword. My son would like to learn how to swim. She would like to play playing Minecraft and they both want to do it through YouTube.
/p>
p>However, not everything about the our family's last year was so bad. Even when we had to contend with restrictions and fear (and eventually, both my son and wife were diagnosed with Covid-19) we bonded as family. We went for walks. We played more games. I bought a 12-foot aluminum vessel as well as one that was battered Montgomery Ward "Sea King" boat in 1985 and took my children fishing on the many lakes that surround the Twin Cities' metro. I taught my daughter how to cook pasta from scratch. My wife and I attempted to shield the kids from unnecessary anxiety while telling them what they required to know at an age-appropriate level.
/p>
p>Still, kids can pick up on things which is why, even at the most difficult of times, last summer was no vacation. Then the school year started, along with the winter-time rife of infections.
/p>
p>Get our weekly newsletter no cost
/p>
p>Sign up for the latest news from CNN Opinion.
/p>
p>Follow us on Twitter or Facebook
/p>
p>This summer will end and we'll be back to work. As my son goes to high school, I will be committed to fighting for equitable education. My daughter should be able finish her first year of "normal" middle school. https://kristiansen-emerson-2.federatedjournals.com/were-talking-about-minecraft-1666943814 I'm particularly prepared to fight new battles on accessibility and distance education.
/p>
p>If I could let my children relax, I might be also in a position to do so, considering that they aren∏t the only ones who suffered the trauma of the last year and an entire quarter. If we can spare the time, we all have a lot to be healed from.
/p>
