The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic can be a stressful time for kids, and many social distancing measures are preventing them from getting the time they need to stay social and cope with the situation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) knows that the COVID-19 pandemic can be stressful for kids and playing with other children can help deal with the stress. But they also reminded people that limiting contact with others is the key to slowing the spread of the virus.

Schools are closed and COVID-19 has forced kids to stay at home, cutting off important social interactions.

Parents are struggling to keep their children healthy, occupied and social during these trying times. So, what can they do to maintain a social life?

Dr. Hani Talebi, director of pediatric psychology at Dell Children's Medical Center, was interviewed by NBC affiliate KXAN to detail some helpful tips for parents during the pandemic.

Keeping a Strong Support Network

Even when connecting with friends and family can be hard, the virtual world helps in giving children some semblance of social life. It plays an important role in regulating their mood and helping them stay grounded.

With this option, children are given some options:

Virtual Play Dates / Family Visits

This is an ideal way of connecting children to friends and family who do not live in their area, noted Family Education. Creating a routine connection with other people will have them look forward to something.

Thanks to the power of the internet, there are many ways to do this. You can use FaceTime, Facebook, Zooom and an app called Houseparty.

For older kids, the virtual play dates can even expand to social games. Certain games let players talk to each other and build virtual worlds together, like Minecraft and Fortnite.

For younger kids, apps such as Roblox, Maker 2 and Mario may also be helpful.

Letting them Use Social Media

Social has its cons, but it also has some good effects in a time where people feel less connected. Being updated with other people's lives can help children feel occupied.

It can also make them feel less alone, lessening the stress that comes with being away from friends.

Like all things, being on social media has to be moderated by parents. It is important that parents check on who their children talk to and what they are viewing online.

Apps like Messenger Kids will help parents protect their children from online dangers and predators.

Limiting Playtime with Other Children

Parents may want to give their children face-to-face playtime.

CDC said having these kinds of activities with the same children who follow preventive measures could pose some risks, although not as high as going out in public.

If possible, the children have to maintain at least six feet apart in an outdoor setting.

Indoor spaces are a lot riskier as they provide less space for social distancing and can provide less ventilation.

Reconsidering Travel Plans

If you're having plans to go out-of-town, now may be a good time to change it.

Travel greatly increases risks of contracting COVID-19, so getting them cancelled or postponed can also greatly decrease these risks.

Airports, bus stations, train stations, and other travel hubs can be exposed to the virus in the air and various high-touch surfaces.

These are also places where social distancing is hard to do. 

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