With school suspended for the rest of the semester, Taiwan''s school-aged kids are in for several more weeks of distance learning. Formosa News reporter Stephany Yang speaks to Sophie Liang, a psychiatrist at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, to get some tips on how parents can help their children cope better in a pandemic.

Due to schools being suspended and classes moving online, children can also be susceptible to anxiety. Dr. Liang says her first piece of advice to parents is to help children feel safe, by addressing their fears and answering their questions.

Sophie Liang
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital psychiatrist
There are several ways to address their emotions. First of all, answer the questions about the pandemic simply and honestly. You can use their age level language to explain what''s going on about COVID-19 and why we have to stay home because we have to protect the one we love and also decrease the spread of COVID-19.

The doctor''s second piece of advice to parents is to help kids build healthy routines, made of activities like eating, play time, exercise, social time, and family time. This can help create a sense of order during an uncertain time.

Sophie Liang
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital psychiatrist
For teenagers, you can discuss them to ask them to establish the day for themselves. For younger, just maintain a daily routine including wake up time, bed time, breakfast time, lunchtime and dinner time, your working time, and homework time. But it''s important, remember to add relax time, play time, family time, and other free time.

A third tip is to help children manage their emotions and behavior. One way to do that is redirect bad behavior by finding something else for them to do. Parents can also suggest that children work on creative projects, such as creating PPE. Lastly, reinforce good behaviors.

Sophie Liang
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital psychiatrist
Such as they wash hands spontaneously or they clean the house, they try to help, or they finish their homework. Try to avoid physical punishment because It doesn''t lead anywhere, but would just aggravate the kid to have an irritable mood.

Dr. Liang also has some tips of self-care for parents. She suggests that parents take care of themselves by exercising, eating healthy, and getting adequate sleep. It''s also important to find ways to destress and take breaks. If both parents are at home, try to take turns watching the children.

Sophie Liang
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital psychiatrist
During this pandemic, I think 60% is good enough. But if you feel like you had a temper tantrum or said something bad, don''t feel so bad. It''s also a good time to modeling for the kids how to talk your feelings. If you feel overwhelmed, try to stop, find a place to calm down, and take a deep breath.

Dr. Liang says that if a loved one is having a difficult time coping, there are ways to get help. She suggests speaking to a trained counselor or seeking resources provided by trusted public authorities.