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Feb 4

How the Pandemic Is Affecting Childrenand What You Can Do to Help your Child – MyChesCo

Exercise Programs Comments Off on How the Pandemic Is Affecting Childrenand What You Can Do to Help your Child – MyChesCo

CHESTER COUNTY, PA It has been over a year since many of us first heard of COVID-19 and since then, it has disrupted almost every aspect of our lives. With parents working more than ever or not at all, activities canceled, school taught through electronic devices and playdates a distant memory, theres no denying that the pandemics impact on children is overwhelming.

Steve Castleton, father of two daughters and volunteer youth basketball coach at the Kennett Area YMCA, has a front-row seat to the pandemics impact on children. Socially and emotionally, its been difficultthey miss their friends and other normal human interactions, shares Steve.

Since the start of the pandemic, the YMCA has been on the front linesorganizing food drives and blood drives, providing virtual group exercise classes, checking in on isolated seniors, and offering summer camp, childcare, and learning centers for children doing virtual schooling. This has given them an up-close view of how children are coping. Isolation, lack of physical activity and stress are some of the biggest challenges they have seen.

The data tells a challenging story. In 2020, emergency room visits for mental health concerns in children ages 511 rose 24% over a year prior. Children ages 6-15 arereporting more feelings of helplessness (66%), worry (68%) and fear (62%)in addition to parents reporting their children havingshortened attention spans, being more clingy and showing greater irritability.Doctors are also experiencing increases in the number of kids with sleep disturbances, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts.

While worrisome, experts are quick to point out that kids are resilient, especially when parents and caregivers help them through times of crises. They recommend parents/caregivers talk with children about what is happening whilevalidating the feelings their kids share and helping them to comprehend and understand them. Find a time that best works to connect with your child try going on regular walks or drives together toeliminate distractions.The CDC has a guide for parents offering age-appropriate resourcesfor families including conversation starters, activities and more.

Between time spent in front of a computer screen, limited or canceled activities and colder weather, kids have less physical activity. This has resulted in a number of issues andsome doctors are reportingincreased cases of eating disorders, especially in adolescents.

While some families are benefitting from the many open spaces and preserves available in Chester County, it can still be challenging to hit your step count or get back to your pre-pandemic fitness routine. Why not sign up for theYMCAs RESET Challenge? The challenge, which will explore different ways for everyone and families to get active for 150 minutes a week, is FREE to all members of the community.

Interested in more?Request a free trial for a 7-day pass to explore YMCA offerings including group exercise classes in person and online gym equipment, youth training programs, indoor pools and discounts on youth programs and activities. Along with a free trial, the YMCA will share the many policies they have in place to keep their spaces safe and clean.

Weve all seen the pictures on the news with long lines at local food banks. With unemployment at an all-time high, more families than ever are experiencing hunger or food insecurity. When kids go hungry, their ability to call upon their mental and emotional reserves to cope lessens and they are at an increased risk for hyperactivity, aggression and anxiety. The YMCA began food drives at the start of the pandemic and they have continued them at their Oscar Lasko YMCA branch today.

At the YMCA, their mission is to ensure everyone has the support they need to grow strong in spirit, mind and body. Being able to stay safely connected to one another and remain active is critical for kids to successfully cope with the pandemic. The YMCA states that is why they reviewed expert advice on preventing the spread of COVID and implemented countless safety protocolsmask requirements, heightened disinfection and moreto create the safest experience possible at the YMCA.

Through many generous donors, and their fundraising efforts, the YMCA provides financial assistance for those with need including summer camp and childcare as well as income-based membership opportunities. You can donate to support these programs on their website. All donations go to support families directly in the community.

As a non-profit organization dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the YMCA states they believe every child deserves to have safe spaces where they can grow, learn and thrive safelyand they wont stop working to ensure that every child in the community has that opportunity. The YMCA knows its more important than ever during these challenging times.

Be the first to know about summer camp offers byjoining the YMCA of Greater Brandywine email list.

Thanks for visiting! MyChesCo brings reliable information and resources to Chester County, Pennsylvania. Please consider supporting us in our efforts. Your generous donation will help us continue this work and keep it free of charge. Show your support today by clicking here and becoming a patron.

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How the Pandemic Is Affecting Childrenand What You Can Do to Help your Child - MyChesCo

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