ABC Helping your child stay S healthy and happy FOR PARENTS during a flu outbreak ASK your children what they have heard about the flu, and what they’re thinking. Kids hear at lot A of scary stuff about the flu. Be AVAILABLE. Listen calmly. Spend time. B prepared to hear a mixture of information – there is a lot of confusion out there. Don’t ignore E B appropriate information. B reassuring. B there. or minimize kids concerns or blame them for wrong information. B ready with simple, age- E E E COMFORT your children by letting them know how you (and doctors) are prepared to CARE for C them. Tell them how our President and other world leaders have asked experts all over the world to do all they can to prevent and stop the flu. D D dealing with it…so they (the with flu detailson– with their lives.need to know the adults they trust are ’ overwhelm your children ON T kids) can go most kids just E is important for your children’s health – help your kids find at least one healthy activity XERCISE E otherwise, taking a brisk walk every day (even in cold weather) can be fun and healthy! that requires regular aerobic exercise, and support their efforts! Unless the doctor says F parents have and strengthto turn for renewal. Yourand/or spiritualfind comfort in similar beliefs. F comfort IND somewhere for yourself in personal children may beliefs – it’s important that G home” days due to sick with inside learning activities and games – this will prepareday! for “at G yourself organized ET days or school closings. And you’ll be ready for any rainy you H your children know the difference between their allergies or colds and the flu. You don’t ELP H and get better. They especially need to know this because “flu deaths” are reported in the news. want them to get worried if they sneeze! Let them know most people who get the flu get help IDENTIFY backup plans ahead of time in the event you or children need to remain home due to I illness or school closings. This will reduce stress later on by helping you avoid the need for last minute arrangements for you and your family. JOT DOWN family and emergency numbers and tuck a copy in your children’s backpack. J Knowing where to find mommy or daddy sure makes it easier to go off in the morning. Stick a note or family picture in their lunchboxes, too – it will bring a smile at lunchtime! KNOW what your children’s schools are doing regarding flu prevention, and what their friends are K saying about it. Talk about school flu prevention activities with your kids. Support and add to school efforts by teaching your children good health habits and providing materials if needed. LEARN what comforts your children, and help them engage in healthy self-soothing behaviors. L Falling asleep to soft music? Taking the dog for a quiet walk? Playing the guitar? Shooting a few hoops with Dad? Sitting outside and feeling the sun and soft breeze? Encourage self-caring activities to help your children reduce stress and promote resilience. MAINTAIN a daily routine whenever possible – routines can be comforting for people of all ages, M especially when the world is changing around them. NO ONE person or group is to blame for a flu outbreak. But know that your kids may hear N negative comments about those who are sick. They may also see fear and disrespect shown to sick people and their families. Be ready to address this and encourage questions and discussion. Report any bullying at school to school authorities. Be a role model for your kids. with the TV O O kids, and too during“flu information” is other badincrease Reports of “flu deaths” are too scary for FF much “flu updates” and likely to news. everyone’s worries. P healthy meals, and let kids know eating a balanced diet helps keep their bodies healthy ROVIDE P and thus makes them less likely to become sick. Nutrition IN helps keep flu OUT. Q UESTIONyour own fear reactions to the “flu news.” Your children look to you for cues as to how Q could benefit from talking with informed and supportive friends or a health care provider. worried they should be. If you think your fears are getting in the way of daily responsibilities, you REALIZE your role in nurturing your children’s abilities to identify and discuss their thoughts and feelings. REMEMBER, not all children easily put their concerns into words. Spending some R special time together may allow for a “story to come out”. Be patient. Thoughts and feelings can be complex and tricky to express. It is well worth the wait. SELF-CARE SKILLS can last a life-time! Teach your children to care for themselves by balancing S their daily life: studying hard, getting enough sleep, planning “down time” each day, having some fun, eating well and exercising. Knowing they are taking actions to promote their good health and prevent infection can given them a sense of control and reduce their worries. T hands away child good health practices: cover sneezesaway coughs, wash hands often, keep T your EACH from mouths, noses and eyes, stay 6 feet and from people who are sick. U simple messages with kids such as “Very few people in the United States have the flu”. TILIZE U “Come talk with me any time you have questions.” “We are doing things every day to stay healthy (e.g. hand washing, eating well and exercising).” V when they hear youand where kids can “overhear” you! They’ll believe your words even more V praise when OICE singing their praises to someone else. WATCH for symptoms of “too much stress or WORRY” – these can show up in little ones as W physical problems (stomach aches), and in any age children as changes in behavior, mood, and energy level, or over-reactions to everyday demands. Seek help for your child if you note these symptoms – there is expert help available. Call 2-1-1 for information on what is available. X during theyour child’sfluschedule can go a longas necessary.prevention. comfort or self-care X E AMINE height of season and adjust it way toward A little EXTRA Y comforting to all ofand receiving ideas and support from other parents. Exchanging ideas can be Y to giving SAY ES you. Z Z on what you can do for your kids and know your limits. Remember, you’re only human! ERO IN For more information on helping your children adapt well during stressful times in life, see the following: 10 Tips for Building Resilience in Children and Teens. Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Thanks to the University of Connecticut Center for Trauma Response, Recovery and Preparedness in the design of this brochure. May 2009 This publication is available online at http://ct.gov/dmhas/flu.stress.