There’s nothing like being trapped at home with your children to realize just how much you appreciated a private office space. Kids feel the pressure of a global pandemic too, and they may cope with the sudden loss of structure in their lives through tantrums.

While this is fairly normal, it can be incredibly annoying—especially if you have to deal with it when you’re supposed to be in a meeting. If your kids are constantly howling while you’re trying to work, here are a few ideas to help calm them down.

Look to yourself first

As you stress about whether you will be able to find a new job if your company goes under, or are just concerned about finding toilet paper, you can be a conduit for anxiety to your child. Young children may not quite understand what is going on, but they are experts at reading faces.

One way to help smooth out the number of tantrums is to reduce anxiety in yourself. Practice meditation, exercise, and go outdoors regularly to help calm yourself down. When you are less anxious, they are less anxious.

Start new routines

The pandemic can mean a big upset in routines for children of all ages. Children need a sense of structure to feel safe, and routine can help with that. If they were used to seeing their grandma on the weekends, try zoom calls instead.

By sticking to a schedule, you can help your kids know what to expect in this new way of doing things, and help ease the stress of pandemic living.

Try to be understanding

Although tantrums can be very annoying, it’s important to understand that they are doing their best to deal with a difficult situation, just like you are. If the child is old enough to talk with, try and talk with them in order to find out why they are acting out.

If the kids are too young, it may be worth paying attention to other signals that indicate things aren’t quite right with your child. Are they more clingy than usual? Are they constantly seeking attention in other ways? This may be a sign they are trying to find a sense of equilibrium.

Even if your child isn’t willing or is unable to tell you what is going on, by responding calmly you can help them feel safer about the current situation.

Tantrums are a part of parenting, and this year has thrown all of us into a crazy roller coaster of emotions. Your child is just like everyone else, trying to find a way to bring sense to this crazy world. After all, there has probably been a few moments for you during 2020 that has made you want to throw yourself down and scream a little bit too. Although we may not like the tantrums, it’s at least understandable. The good news is that eventually, like all pandemics, this one will end, and with any luck these tantrums will too.