Tips from our Primary Division Counsellors.

Supporting a student’s Socio-Emotional wellbeing 

According to a study from the Journal of Developmental and Behavioural Pediatrics, anxiety is a major public health concern for children and experiences filled with uncertainty can increase their vulnerability to feelings of stress. With the recent announcements of different precautionary measures in the view of the coronavirus pandemic, parents and caregivers have an added responsibility of providing reassurance to the young ones in these uncertain times.

• Becoming aware of one's feelings. In these times of socio- emotional upheaval children experience a myriad of emotions. Being aware of these feelings is a first positive step in maintaining a healthy socio- emotional well-being.
• Different ways to express the feelings. Once aware, children can find positive ways to express feelings such as worry, fear and sadness. Every child has their own experiences and their way to express emotions. Sometimes engaging in a creative activity, such as playing, music, dramatics and drawing can facilitate this process. Children feel relieved if they can express and communicate their feelings in a safe and supportive environment. 
• Keep up with your usual routines as much as you can. Maintain familiar routines in daily life as much as possible, or create new routines, especially while you must stay at home. 
• Know what is within your control. Recognising that in these times of uncertainty it is beneficial to be aware of what is within our control, that is to maintain hygiene, practise social distancing, etc.
• ‘Stock up’ on your coping skills. Once you have completed your learning for the day you can engage in activities that interest you. Some ideas could include maintaining a journal, practising compassion and gratitude, exercising, Re- decorating your space, engaging in hobbies, etc.
• Limit Media. Follow credible sources like the World Health Organisation, Centre for Disease control and prevention, National centre for disease control ,etc.
• Social Distancing not Socially Distant. Explore ways you can stay in touch with friends and extended family. Building common interest groups(games, exercise, art), video calls to near and dear ones, learning together via virtual medium, etc.

A few tips for parents

• Stay inform​ed. Families are encouraged to stay up to date about this situation as we learn more about how to prevent this virus from spreading in homes and in communities.
• Providing factual information. Discuss the 2019-nCoV with your children using an honest and age-appropriate way. Understand what they know, have heard around and then talk together and correct any misinformation or rumours you may hear.  If your children have concerns, addressing those together may ease their anxiety. 
• Simple reassurance. Remind children that researchers and doctors are learning as much as they can, as quickly as they can, about the virus and are taking steps to keep everyone safe. A simple statement like ‘we are all in this together’ can provide a sense of not being alone.
• Providing a safe environment, Keep children close to their parents and family. During times of uncertainty and crisis, it is common for children to seek more attachment and be more demanding on parents. Avoid separating children and their caregivers as much as possible, If a child needs to be separated from their primary caregiver, ensure that appropriate alternative care is provided and the reasons explained. Further, ensure that during periods of separation, regular contact with parents and caregivers is maintained, such as twice-daily scheduled phone or video calls or other age-appropriate communication (e.g., social media depending on the age of the child). 
• Share your feelings with each other. Talk about how this experience is building our resilience. Respect their feelings, apprehensions, need for a mental break when they do not want to talk about the pandemic.
• Be a good role model. 2019-nCoV doesn't discriminate and neither should we, it doesn't mean that having ancestry or making someone more susceptible to the virus or more contagious. When you show empathy and support to those who are ill, your children will too. Children will observe adults’ behaviours and emotions for cues on how to manage their own emotions during difficult times.
• Give them control. It's also a great time to remind your children of what they can do to help – washing their hands often, coughing into a tissue or their sleeves, and getting enough sleep.
• Monitor what they see, hear and wonder. Keep young children away from frightening images they may see on TV, social media, internet, etc. 
• Keep an eye on media time. Whenever possible, play video games or go online with your child to keep that time structured and limited. If kids are missing their school friends or other family, try to arrange for video chats or group games to stay in touch.

• Read books with your child. It's not only fun, but reading together strengthens your bond with your child and helps their development.
• Make time for active play. Bring out the blocks, balls, jump ropes and buckets and let the creativity go. Play games that kids of all ages can play, like tag or duck duck goose. Let your kids make up new games. Encourage older kids to make up a workout or dance to keep them moving.
• Watch for signs of anxiety. Children may not have the words to express their worry, but you may see signs of it. They may get cranky, be more clingy, have trouble sleeping, or seem distracted. Keep the reassurance going and positively reinforce them to stick to the normal routines.
• Take time for yourself. Self-care remains essential during this emergency — practice the healthy behaviour you’re teaching your kids. 

Other Resources:

• Helping Children Cope with Stress (World Health Organization)
• COVID-19 Parenting Tips (Unicef)

References:
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2020, March 22). Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Retrieved March 24, 2020, from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/2019-Novel-Coronavirus.aspx
Mhonde, R. D. (2020, March 16). Talking to children about COVID-19: Reducing hysteria during a global emergency. Retrieved March 24, 2020, from https://psychcentral.com/blog/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-reducing-hysteria-during-a-global-emergency/
Unicef. (n.d.). Covid-19 parenting tips. Retrieved March 24, 2020, from https://www.unicef.org/media/66146/file/COVID-19%20parenting%20tips.pdf
Weinstein, E. (2020, March 14). We're all in this together: Facing the coronavirus crisis. Retrieved March 24, 2020, from https://psychcentral.com/blog/were-all-in-this-together-facing-the-coronavirus-crisis/
World Health Organization. (2020, March 12). Mental health and psychosocial considerations during COVID-19 outbreak. Retrieved March 24, 2020, from https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/mental-health-considerations.pdf