GURNEE – State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, is highlighting resources to help children stay mentally and emotionally well throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While it’s very fortunate that children are less vulnerable than adults to the physical harms of COVID-19, the outbreak hasn’t left young people untouched,” Mason said in a news release. “Lack of in-person time with friends and educators can have a serious impact on kids’ mental health, and it can be challenging for parents to know the best way to address these issues with their children.”��

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Mayo Clinic have both issued guidance for parents to help their children better understand and cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s and the Mayo Clinic’s resources can be found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/talking-with-children.html and www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/kids-covid-19/art-20482508 respectively.

“As parents, we should always be thoughtful when discussing sensitive subjects with our kids, and that’s especially important when it comes to COVID-19,” Mason said. “I’m hopeful that students will be able to return to the classroom this fall and, with it, some sense of normalcy. Until then, I encourage parents to utilize online guidance and resources to help make this difficult time easier for their children.”