Wellbeing Wednesday
22 Sep 2021
Supporting Children Through Challenging Times
This Wellness Wednesday I wanted to share some thoughts from Young Minds on how we can support our children as restrictions ease and we learn to live with the reality of the pandemic.
- Talk with them about what’s going on, keeping communication as open as you can. Let them know that it is OK to feel however they feel – whether that’s scared, worried, angry, excited or something else.
- Let them know that it is OK to move at their own pace and to only do what they feel comfortable with. As national restrictions have eased, everyone will need different amounts of time to adjust and figure out what works for them. Reassure your child that they don’t need to do things the same way as other people, or compare themselves to others.
- If your child is feeling worried or anxious about the situation, they might like to make a worry box or self-soothe box to help them feel calmer. Encourage children to talk about their emotions – stories and ‘morals’ are a great way to explore feelings.
- Encourage your child to do the things that help them when they’re finding things difficult. This will be different for everyone – it could include things like doing exercise or going for a walk, watching a favourite film, reading a favourite book, cooking or baking, talking to friends or drawing or writing.
- Spend time doing a positive activity together. This can help them to feel calmer by giving them a short break from everything that’s going on. It’s also a great way of providing a space for them to talk through their concerns, without having a ‘big chat’.
- Keep as many regular routines going as possible to help your child feel safe and secure.
Please do get in touch if we can support or help in anyway. We know it is an uncertain and challenging time but if we work together and support each other, we will find our way through.
Best wishes,
Emma Getty
Deputy Head with responsibility for Language Learning, Safeguarding and Pastoral Care
https://www.youngminds.org.uk
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