It’s true, we are ringing in the new year with trepidation.
Omicron is causing a bump in COVID cases, which impacts school, day care and work. The good news is that the COVID vaccines and booster are safe and extremely effective in preventing severe disease, hospitalization and illness. (More on kids and vaccines here.) Although we are not where we had hoped to be at the beginning of 2022, let’s take a minute to remember what we can control and to recommit self-care, healthy choices and strength.
Bonus: Try the New Year’s “Get Dirty Challenge.” I mean this literally. Let’s get our kids outside and dirty, as in dirt. Fresh air and overcoming fear of dirt will help reduce anxiety. I’d love to see some pictures or hear your stories about getting outside and getting dirty, even if the weather is froggy. Email your stories and photos to jhanson@seattleschild.com, and let us know if you are willing to share them with fellow readers.
Let kids get dirty, and more tips for staying strong in 2022
Self-care. Self-care is one of the most important things we can do right now. Our strength and a calm positive outlook set the tone for our families — and as we know, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Self-care looks different for different people, but remember to do something kind for yourself every day. Whether it’s taking time to go for a walk, read a book or catch up with an old friend, this is the core stuff that keeps up strong and rejuvenated and gives us the endurance we need right now.
Get outside. The weather has been rough, but getting outside for a daily walk, run or stroll with a friend is one of the healthiest things we can do. Cold slush? No problem: That’s what jackets are for! Exercise and fresh air do wonders for sleep, fitness and mental health. Let’s be serious: These are all things we need right now.
Get dirty. Many kids are extremely nervous about germs, and this is extending to getting dirty with outside play. The worry makes sense around fear of transmitting a virus, but it is adding to childhood anxiety and fear in other areas too. We’ve been talking about this a lot in our house, and I’m challenging my kids to get legitimately dirty five days a week. Playing with puddles, grass or the dog (if you have one) is a good thing.
Navigate scary situations with a plan. There are still a lot of unknowns. Rather than avoid scary topics, work together to make a plan. This helps kids feel empowered to navigate scary situations. Whether it is recommitting to masking indoors or discussing how the family will respond if someone gets COVID, this is the real stuff we are dealing with right now, and being up-front and outlining a plan helps children feel in control.
Vaccinate and boost. We’ve heard this a lot, but it’s true. Children 5 and up are eligible for COVID vaccination. In King County, 62% of children 5 to 17 years old have started vaccination, but we still have a ways to go for broader coverage. Make sure everyone 5 and older in your household is vaccinated against COVID. If it’s been five months or more since the first COVID vaccination doses, get those family members 16 and older boosted (12 years and older for Pfizer recipients). Also, don’t forget the importance of a flu vaccine.
Refresh your masks. Masks are not going anywhere, and if your family is like ours, we’ve gone through many different mask types. Toss old, poorly fitting masks. Kids have grown a lot during these two years, so make sure the masks they are wearing fit properly. Wearing a mask adds protection in public indoor spaces, in addition to handwashing and physical distancing.
More from Dr. Block and Kaiser Permanente in Seattle’s Child:
Ask the Pediatrician: Why does my kid suddenly stink?
Ask the Pediatrician: What’s the best age for kids to get cellphones?
Q&A: The COVID-19 vaccine and kids
Supporting your kids’ mental health and emotional well-being
More tips for helping young kids, teens
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