COVID-19

As people gradually return to their workplaces with the easing of lockdowns worldwide, family life will once again be impacted. If you’re a parent, transitioning back to work can be a very stressful process, especially after being at home with your children for so long.

 

Your children may also experience strong emotions during this time. Here are a few tips that can help you ease your child’s anxiety in the first few weeks of the transition back to work:

• Speak to your child honestly. Let your child know that you’re going back to work and point out what will change in this new situation. Assure your child that you will still be spending time with them and doing fun activities when you’re home.

• Continue building stronger relationships through creative outlets. Plan activities that your family was not able to do during the lockdown period, such as heading outdoors for a stroll or having a picnic at the park.

• Check in with your child about what he/she is hearing. As your child adjusts to the new situation, check in regularly to find out what your child is hearing or what they think is true. Use this as an opportunity to dismiss rumors and inaccurate information related to the pandemic.

As you continue prioritizing the needs of your child, it’s important to also take care of yourself. Do what you can to regulate your emotions before attempting to calm your child, as your child can sense your emotions and stress.

Questions about your health during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Visit your local health department’s website, the Cigna Website, the Cigna Envoy App^{1, 2}, the Cigna Wellbeing^TM App^{1, 2} – or go to trusted sites such as the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.