Now that the lock down rules are slowly being relaxed and children will be going back to school next term, now is the time to start preparing children for this.
As children will have been at home with their families for much longer than usual, some may struggle with separation anxiety when having to get back to ‘a new normal’.
Reading books may help: There is a wonderful children’s book titled Owl Babies written by Martin Waddell which tells the tale of baby owls who are worried when their mother leaves them alone to go hunting for food.
Another book which teaches children about germs could be used as a reminder not to catch the corona virus,it is a book that I have reviewed called Catch that cough .here
While you are talking to children about germs remind them that they need to wash their hands thoroughly and regularly.
Next week I will be reviewing a book about children coping with the lock down, so look out for that.
If you think your child may suffer from stress after all we have been through. It would be a good idea to teach them some coping methods; mindful deep breathing is something that you can practice together( breath deeply in through the nose and slowly out through the mouth).
Get your child a worry doll that they can tell their worries and concerns to, then put it under their pillow at night, by morning the doll would have helped with their worries, hopefully
!
Blowing bubbles is another way of calming down and getting rid of stress.
Most schools are holding settling-in sessions for children before they go back to school in September. Explain to children that school and the classroom will be different than before lock down: The desks will be spaced out and they may not be able to queue for school dinner.
Most importantly stay calm about it all yourself as if your child senses that you are concerned she will be even more worried.
I have written on explaining the corona virus to children here
I would like to thank Dulcinea Morton-Morris for suggesting today’s topic.
Stay safe everyone, hopefully we can soon get back to a ‘normal normal!’
As always questions, comments and topic suggestions are welcome.
Until next time.
Karen
x
Linked with
It’s going to be different and I hope all our kids adapt ok. thanks for the ideas. #kcacols
I hope my ideas help everyone to cope! Thanks for stopping by
Great tips. I had a guest post on supporting your children’s mental health during lockdown. We spend a lot of time worrying about our adult loved ones, but the kids have been massively impacted on this too. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time.
Thanks, I will be back next week, as usual
It is such a new world for us all, but a huge impact for children, good luck with the new normal #GlobalBlogging
Thanks, you too
It’s so sad for the children, I certainly think they’ve been an afterthought in regards to the government throughout this. They’ve shown such resilience though, I just hope they can play and interact together soon, it’s so important for their development.
Katrina x
#KCACOLS
So do I, Katrina
Good tips, thanks! Children are so adaptable so hopefully they will manage but I’m sure it will be tough for some. #kcacols
Thanks, Hannah, children are pretty resilient so hopefully they will adapt
I’ve already been talking to my girls about returning to school as a way to prepare them. I don’t think they do realise how different it might be but then again neither do I because they haven’t told us a lot yet. I figure we will just continue to talk about it as a way to help them integrate and after that I think they are going to be so thrilled to see their friends again. Great advice! #globalblogging
Thank you, Tracey and thanks for sharing your experience
I don’t think we are sending my daughter back but I did see something recently about what a good idea it is to start getting kids used to wearing masks for longer periods of time than they might be used to. Theres going to be an adjustment period for sure #KCACOLS
That’s a great idea, thanks for sharing, Jeremy
My teen is back to school and it’s going to be interesting after almost 5.5 months away. Kids seem to be managing I think as long as adults are helping them to cope! What a strange time! #stayclassymama
Let’s hope we can all get back to normal soon, Karen, thanks for stopping by
That Owl Babies book looks like a fab idea to help prepare them for a new normal. #StayClassyMama
It is a beautiful book, I came across it when my son was in reception class, thanks for reading
I feel lost as I have no idea what the new normal will look like 🙁 My kids have no settling sessions and are straight back (Anya is moving up to juniors and Zach is starting infants with little preparation) Thanks for linking up with #stayclassymama
Oh, that’s a shame, Laura, children are pretty resilient, so hopefully they will adapt
I didn’t even know these books existed, but I’m glad you shared them with us. Thank you for these suggestions. #KCACOLS
It’s a surprise, Crystal, how many great children’s books are available, isn’t it? Thanks for stopping by
It’s my pleasure, thanks for stopping by, C\rystal
Staying calm is great advice, not always easy but worthwhile. Thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Stephani