Helping Children Manage Pandemic Stress and Anxiety

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused many unexpected changes for all of us, including our children. The experiences of sheltering in place, isolation, virtual learning and ongoing uncertainty have created anxiety for children and parents alike. In addition, the typical summer activities our kids look forward to all year were significantly altered due to pandemic-related shutdowns and community mandates. As the school year opens in its various forms, parents and children of all ages continue to experience anxiety and depression that need heart support. Our Add Heart Call guest, Dr. Jorina Elbers, MD, is a neurologist who specializes in pediatric neurology. Formerly an assistant professor at Stanford’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Jorina is the director of the Trauma Recovery Project at the HeartMath Institute, helping to develop a trauma recovery program. Jorina is also the mother of 2 young boys and is struggling with homeschooling and virtual learning for her children, just as so many parents are during the pandemic. Jorina and our host Deborah Rozman, PhD, who is the HeartMath CEO and a behavioral psychologist, will discuss how parents can find balance during these times and can recognize signs of distress in their children, as children are especially sensitive to what their parents and caregivers are feeling. They’ll also offer suggestions on how to help children when they’re feeling stressed, anxious or sad. We’ll close the Add Heart Call with a heart-focused meditation to add heart to children and families, helping create an energetic heart environment of love, security and stability to help people navigate these times with more ease and balance.