One of the most important things we can do for our kids is to reassure them that we are still connected, even with social distancing and even if people are wearing PPE. We can ensure that even though things are not the same, meaningful interactions and conversations can still take place.

Our world has changed, and for some children, it's very difficult to navigate through an environment that does not look the same. As some individuals are wearing face masks at this time, it’s important to help our kids feel confident and capable as they try to interpret someone’s message when they can only see part of that person’s face. Understanding and using non-verbal communication with our kids is key and may help them feel a sense of comfort and control.

Here are some non-verbal methods that I use myself with the kids and students in my own life. Please consider those that might be helpful for you and please feel free to pass along if you know anyone who may benefit from these ideas as well:

*Use proximity as a way to remind your child that you are present and available. It may be helpful to keep close to them so they do not need to go very far to connect with you. Proximity can fairly reliably confirm for our children that we are 'right here'. (I’m getting a little teary-eyed, remembering E.T. pointing to Elliot's heart and saying "I'll be right here". If they've ever seen that movie, now is the perfect time to say that to a kid. Hold on, I have to get a tissue.)

*Use eye contact as a way to establish that you are actively listening to them. It may help them feel comforted to know that you are attending to them and are not (visibly)distracted. If you are looking at them, it signals that what they are saying is important.

*Use reassuring touch to stay physically connected as even familiar environments might look very different. You may be surprised by how often your child reaches for your hand or places their hand on your arm or back. I defer to my (amazing)Occupational Therapy colleagues for this one, but touch can be another way to integrate that someone is literally there.

*Consider how the tone of your voice may impact your child's mood, and modify your volume and pitch to help maintain a sense of calm and comfort. Or, if you need to rev your kid up to do something they aren't particularly excited to do, you can add some energy and enthusiasm behind your words.

*Pair gestures or body movement with your words to facilitate your child's attention and understanding: Facial expression is often an effective non-verbal method to communicate a message, but if it’s one of those times they cannot see your face because you are electing to wear a mask, you may need to foster comprehension in a different way. Point to things you're talking about demonstrate how to do something, model necessary actions for them-for example, if it's time for them to grab their shoes, you do the same.

Remember that what we show, in addition to what we say, can be impactful and how you communicate in a non-verbal way can impact someone's mood and behavior. It's also important to consider that our typical methods to connect with others may or may not be as effective right now and can have an entirely different effect than the one we intended as our children now may need to process information in an entirely different way.

So, friends and family members of kids in our community, you already wear a Superperson cape most of the time, and wearing an actual mask doesn't need to interfere with your kids still seeing you as some sort of hero. Everything may look a little different, including you, but you can still be the one that can save the darn day.