CSTS | Department of Psychiatry | Uniformed Services University | 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799 | www.CSTSonline.org

Helping Homebound Children during
Infectious Disease Outbreak
Emergency measures, such as
required to be home and inside.
requiring that children remain
The lifestyle changes may also
The lifestyle changes may also contributeat home are critical methods
contribute to social isolation fromto social isolation from peers and teachers,
to limit the spread of infection
peers and teachers, anxiety, andanxiety, and tension among family
during emerging infectious diseasetension among family members
outbreak. Despite its positive public
due to a lack of personal space
members due to a lack of personal
health benefits, for an individual
at home. Importantly, public
space at home.
child, being homebound can serve
fear about infectious disease thatas an opportunity to spend time
stigmatizes and scapegoats specificwith family, but also can result
populations can further increase ain insufficient physical activity, irregular sleep patterns,
child’s and family’s sense of isolation. Clinicians and parents
weight gain, and decreased fitness. As many parents
can consider the following approaches to better manage
know, boredom and frustration are common during time
homebound periods for children and families.
Support the Family Structure while HomeboundTo prepare, families can develop plans of action
together. When appropriate, include children in the familyplanning and preventive behaviors to help support theirsense of agency and control.
■ Plan physical activities that can be done whilehomebound■ Maintain a healthy diet, good sleeping habits, andproper hygiene practices (e.g., regularly washing hands,
covering mouths when coughing and sneezing, avoiding
contact with face).
■ Maintain routines related to bedtimes, meals, andexercise.
■ Ensure basic supplies (e.g., food, water, soap, first aidprovisions) and medications are readily available whilehomebound.
■ Encourage children’s participation in household chores
to facilitate their sense of accomplishment.
■ Plan enjoyable family activities, such as games, movies,and exercise.
■ Maintain a positive mood.
■ Practice patience and tolerance, which can be difficult
during this time and model healthy habits for the entirehousehold.
■ Engage in relaxation techniques to reduce stress.
■ Avoid increased use of alcohol or tobacco.
■ If a usual family activity, consider attending religious
services online.

Communicate Openly
During times of uncertainty, open communication is
critical to helping children feel safe and secure.
■ Stay informed.
■ Explain the infectious disease and the purpose of being
homebound in an age-appropriate and positive manner
to children. Parents must gauge what their children canunderstand.
■ Create an environment where children feel comfortable
expressing their concerns and asking questions.
■ Remind children that being homebound is temporary.
■ Promote children’s sense of goodness, or “altruism”, byexplaining that being homebound helps to keep othermembers of their community safe.
■ Reassure children they will receive appropriate medicalcare if they become ill.
■ Check in with children frequently to address newly
emerging fears and misconceptions.
■ Limit and closely monitor children’s use of media toreduce potential confusion, worry, and fear.
■ Address misconceptions regarding stigma. For example,
avoid terms other than the assigned medical term, suchas referring to the disease by the country in which it
originated, as these increase stigma and perpetuate
misconceptions about the disease.
■ Clarify what is known and what is unknown to preventthe spread of misinformation.
Continued

Connect to Helpful Support
During periods of physical isolation, connect toimportant sources of social support to help alleviate stress.
Families may also benefit from services provided by local
community organizations and mental health professionals.
■ Develop plans for maintaining children’s connections
to friends and other family members via phone and/orinternet.
■ Ensure your child’s medical team is involved to help
monitor any pre-existing conditions.
■ Utilize available homeschool or distance learning
opportunities that combine the educational needs ofchildren with their physical and mental health needs.
■ Contact a mental health professional if you notice signsof anxiety and depression in children including changes
in appetite, sleep disruptions, aggression, irritability,and fears of being alone or withdrawn.

Resources
General:CDC:
www.cdc.gov
Red Cross:www.redcross.org
WHO:
www.who.int/enInfectious disease information specific to children:
CDC:
www.cdc.gov/childrenindisasters/index.html
AAP:
https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-healthinitiatives/Children-and-Disasters/Pages/default.aspx

Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
Department of Psychiatry
Uniformed Services University
4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799
www.CSTSonline.org