As a licensed psychotherapist serving the Long Island and Manhattan area; my practice has shifted to solely utilizing telehealth due to the COVID-19 outbreak. I am seeing my young clients ages 4-16 on video sessions instead of in person sessions. With tons of information out there that can help adults to process and cope with this global pandemic; I have seen minimal content to help children cope with these uncertain times.

With the adjustment of school closing, lack of socialization, and presence of family members that are normally not home; this can be a very strange and confusing time for kids. We as therapists and parents must come up with creative ways to help children adjust, feel safe and express themselves during this difficult time.

If your child is noticeably bored, restless, withdrawn, sad, worried or lonely; here are some tips to help you help them :

PLAY BAll: toss a ball together! when your child catches the ball have them name something that is making them feel either sad, angry, scared, happy or sad. when they toss the ball back, you address their feelings.
PEAK & VALLEY: have your child discuss the highs and lows of their day. What was the peak or the best moment of the day? What was the Valley or the lowest part of the day?
MAGIC WAND: Have your child create a magic wand out of anything in the house. i RECOMMEND a remote, or even an empty paper towel roll. Use this wand to transport them to their happy place or create a new outcome. Get creative here!
VISION BOARD: Create a vision board together using old magazines or any pictures you can find. this can help your child focus on all of the things they can control (Goals, favorite things, what describes them).
WHERE ON MY BODY DO I FEEL: this is a take on meditation, and can help calm down your child. have them tell you where on their body they are experiencing their emotions and talk them through what they are feeling.

BONUS: utilize essential oils such as lavender and peppermint to keep children calm and focused!

If you would like to receive added support during this time please reach out either via email or by phone!

Stay safe & healthy

Love & Light,

Sari L. Klar, LMHC
Phone: (516) 729-5850
Email:SariLauren.LMHC@gmail.com

Therapist’s Guide: Helping Your Child During the Pandemic

PLAY BAll: toss a ball together! when your child catches the ball have them name something that is making them feel either sad, angry, scared, happy or sad. when they toss the ball back, you address their feelings.

PEAK & VALLEY: have your child discuss the highs and lows of their day. What was the peak or the best moment of the day? What was the Valley or the lowest part of the day?

MAGIC WAND: Have your child create a magic wand out of anything in the house. i RECOMMEND a remote, or even an empty paper towel roll. Use this wand to transport them to their happy place or create a new outcome. Get creative here!

VISION BOARD: Create a vision board together using old magazines or any pictures you can find. this can help your child focus on all of the things they can control (Goals, favorite things, what describes them).

WHERE ON MY BODY DO I FEEL: this is a take on meditation, and can help calm down your child. have them tell you where on their body they are experiencing their emotions and talk them through what they are feeling.