There is a great deal of worry and concern being expressed about the Covid-19 Virus and the impact it is having on our usual routines and lifestyles.
While thiscan be challenging there is also a great opportunity to show our children how to stay steady and calm in the face of these unexpected circumstances.
Navigating our way through uncertain times
Here are some helpful hints about how tosupport our children as we continue to navigate our way through these uncertain times…
Make time to be available to talk with your children, to respond to their fears and concerns when they need support. Check if they have any questions, they would like to ask about Covid-19 or the Corona Virus.
Welcome their questions and concerns and validate their experiences – let them know it makes sense to feel the way they do and that they would have these questions.
Me mindful not to overload them– keep the information age-appropriate and relevant to their questions. Answer their question then pause and wait to see if they need more information.
Teach your children about good hygiene – how to wash their hands properly for at least 20 seconds,with warm water and soap – this is a key preventative measure for this virus.
Encourage them to use and dispose of tissues appropriately into a bin, to cough into their elbow if they don’t have a tissue they can use and avoid touching their face as much as possible.
Maintain your regular routines at home so there is still a sense of structure within the uncertainty.
Keep the TV off or limit their exposure to media as this can increase anxiety and fears.
Reassure your child that humans are remarkably resilient and tend to become stronger as they navigate tough situations such as this one.
Find someone to talk through your own fears so you can then be calm and steady with your children when they need reassurance and support with their concerns. Choose a reliable source of information such as the World Health Organizationto check in periodically so you stay fully informed and knowledgeable as guidelines continue to evolve.
Parent Helpline
If you would like to talk more about how to support your child, our telephone support workers are happy to talk it through with you. Call our free nationwide Parent Helpline on 0800 568 856.
