Experts encourage virtual play dates for children during pandemic

Experts encourage virtual play dates for children during pandemic

During the pandemic, social distancing measures are put in place to keep the coronavirus from spreading.

Baldwin county shows 238 cases.

And dooly county has 133 cases.

These numbers will be updated again in the next 30 minutes.

Many communities are encouraging social distancing measures ... to help keep the coronavirus from spreading.

Although necessary -- according to experts -- it may cause mental health effects among younger adults and children.

41nbc jatrissa wooten has more on what those effects are.

:14-:18 "standup: we know parents are struggling to balance work, may be child care and self-care all at the stay timebut some children are struggling too and their mental health matters" d.

Renee smith: licensed counselor "everybodies home isn't happy, every child isn't happy to be at home" that's why checking on your childs mental health is so important!

Licensed counselor d renee smith explains that while school is out, parents should keep an eye out for certain behaviors.

According to smith -- behaviors like isolation, irritability.

And in younger children -- crying spells or temper tantrum?even anxiety, can all become an issue.

I spoke to one parent who tells me, she tries to make life at home for her family as normal as possible by remaining active.

Vineda jordan: parent "we play basketball, badminton and we ride bikes" those are a great way to alleviate stress adds