COVID19 Advice

Coronavirus; supporting children’s wellbeing

Wellbeing tips for families:
• Talk to your children, and answer their questions. Ask about what they have heard about the virus and the situation so that you can correct possible misconceptions and reassure them.
• Avoid being too immersed in media coverage. Be mindful of the amount of things you are reading and watching, including social media – as this may add to worry and anxiety. Consider a few updates every day from trusted sources.
• Remember that people react differently to significant events. Some people – adults and children – may feel worried, some excited, some nothing much at all. Be reassured that different reactions are normal and ok.
• If your child seems worried, it may be good to distract themselves with something that takes their mind off their worries. You might also want to set aside 10-15 minutes each day for them to talk about any worries, and to reassure them.
• Remember to keep things positive and give children hope. For example, tell children that now many people are working to make this better and that even though it is serious, everyone is doing their best to help people.
• Try to keep familiar routines. Well-known routines in everyday life provide security and stability.
• Do nice things together, and keep active. Make a plan and suggest some regular family times where you can play games, do some exercise together, or do other things that you know most of you like. Try to find a good balance between time together, and screen time.
• Keep in good contact with family and friends (via Facetime, Skype WhatsApp etc.; following nhs guidance on ‘social contact’). This will help children connect with others and know that others are thinking about them. It will also reassure them that others are well.
• As a parent you may be concerned yourself. Take care of yourself and make sure you have breaks, time to relax, and ask for help from others if you need.
Some useful links:
NHS advice:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Talking to children about Coronavirus
Advice on talking to children about Coronavirus, by British Psychological Society:
https://www.bps.org.uk/sites/www.bps.org.uk/files/Policy/Policy%20-%20Files/Talking%20to%20children%20about%20Coronavirus.pdf
How to talk to your child about coronavirus, by Unicef:
https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/how-talk-your-child-about-coronavirus-covid-19
Child-friendly explanation of Coronavirus for Primary age students:
https://660919d3-b85b-43c3-a3ad-3de6a9d37099.filesusr.com/ugd/64c685_319c5acf38d34604b537ac9fae37fc80.pdf
Information video on Coronavirus for Primary age children (KS2), by Brainpop:
https://www.brainpop.com/health/diseasesinjuriesandconditions/coronavirus/
Information video on Coronavirus for older children/adults, by WHO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOV1aBVYKGA&feature=youtu.be
Your wellbeing
Coronavirus and your wellbeing, by Mind UK:
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
5 ways to wellbeing, by Mindkit:
https://www.mindkit.org.uk/5-ways-to-wellbeing/
 
 
 
Note: as the situation and sources of information are developing, the above tips and links may be updated.