With Easter already a distant memory, chocolate and lie-ins have been replaced by home-school timetables.
This is a confusing time for many children, especially if they miss their friends, so here are some resources to support them during lock-down.
Penguin Kids animations
Chelsea Clinton, daughter of former US president Bill Clinton and secretary of state Hillary Clinton, has teamed up with illustrators Alexandra Boigner and Oliver Jeffers to create these easy-to-understand animations.
It’s hard for many children to understand why they can’t see their friends or sleep over at granny’s house. Clinton’s first cartoon explains to children why they need to socially distance from family and friends.
Her next cartoon, entitled Stop Spreading Germs, reminds children how important it is to wash their hands. This is a must for fans of the book The Day The Crayons Quit!
Julia Donaldson
All was quiet in the deep dark wood
That’s because we’re staying at home
Just like we should!
(I made that up, do you like it?)
Author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler have published books together for more than 20 years, including The Gruffalo. They have created a Facebook page featuring snippets of their much-loved books for families to enjoy together. Go on, rediscover your finest Gruffalo voice!
Axel Scheffler & Friends
Axel Scheffler appears to be doing overtime to support families during the pandemic!
He has illustrated Coronavirus – A Book for Children, with input from Professor Graham Medley, of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, headteachers and a child psychologist.
Aimed at five to nine-year-olds, the book answers questions such as “why are some places we normally go to closed?” and “how do you catch coronavirus?”
It’s free to download and print, although you’re encouraged to donate to NHS Charities Together.
The numbers
According to a survey by British media platform Azoomee, parents are increasingly worried about the impact the pandemic will have on their family’s mental health.
More than two-fifths (42%) of the 2,000 parents who responded have seen their children become anxious, withdrawn and aggressive. That figure rises to 56% in single-parent families or those with one child.
What the professionals say
Here are environmental psychologist and well-being consultant Lee Chambers’ top tips for supporting children during the lock-down.
- Be truthful, with a focus on keeping your child safe. Don’t bombard them with more information than they ask for
- Use age-appropriate resources. Animations, songs and pictures are powerful ways to communicate a message
- Help them understand they can control the spread of covid-19 by washing their hands, getting good sleep and looking after their health
- Make sure you communicate calmly and reassuringly. Let them express their worries. Remember, children pick up on your anxiety and tone
- Occupy them with activities and be creative with all the things you can do, rather than those you can’t
This will end
Things are hard for us all right now, but this will end.
It’s ok to be worried and naturally your children will react differently too. Ask for support from school, family and friends. Right now, your “village” is there for you more than ever. If you haven’t got one, create one.
Before you know it, it will be school run time again and you’ll suddenly notice your child has put on a growth spurt! You’ll be running late and trying to squeeze them into a size-too-small uniform. Hashtag blessed, right?
Good luck. You, and they, have got this!