We know this is a difficult time for everyone especially with an extension to the lockdown announced last week. Here are some tips for you to support your child during this time:
Acknowledge Your Child's Feelings
- Allow them to ask questions and express their feelings.
- Let them know that feeling sad and anxious about having to stay home for another 7 days is okay.
Share your feelings
- Share with them how you feel. This will create a deeper connection and also show them that even adults feel different emotions.
- However, make sure to show them that you are still their safe harbour!
Make plans
- Make plans for the near future. Where are you going when lockdown is lifted? What are you going to eat when we can dine out again?
- Make plans for fun things that we can do in the next 7 days. Come up with a new game that the family can play together, or a project that you can all help with.
- This will be reassuring for the kids and will give them something to look forward to.
Keep healthy routines
- Maintain a routine for your children and for yourself.
- Involve your kids in household tasks such as making snacks for everyone.
Move your body
- Exercise helps release happy hormones.
- Kick a footy in the backyard or go out for walks.
- If the weather won’t let us go outside, we can move our bodies by dancing, doing 3-5 -minute exercises, or even hide and seek.
When the time comes to transition back to school or kinder, our Back to School Tip Sheet has some helpful ideas.
References:
Child Mind Institute and toddler.com.au
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