As we are settling back into another school term, COVID is still very much present within the community and media. With restrictions easing and COVID numbers still being high within Canberra, many children may be experiencing an increase in anxiety as they may be hearing more talk about COVID around them including at school (this person is away as they have COVID etc) whilst adapting to changes. 

If your child has ongoing worries or concerns about COVID, here are some quick tips to help support your child during this time. 

1. Be aware and mindful of how you talk about COVID – Your discussions, how and what you say about COVID can increase or decrease your child’s fear. 
2. Focus on the positive – Although COVID is still very much present within our lives and the community, there are also positives that we can focus on. Remind your children that they are back at school with their friends, that we can now see other family members outside of our home, that everyone is doing all we can to keep each other safe and that restrictions have eased significantly. 
3. Monitor television viewing and social media – watching continual updates or news items on COVID can increase fear, confusion and anxiety especially when this information is aimed at adults and not young children. 
4. Let your children talk and ask questions – Be as honest and accurate as you can be with explanations that are age appropriate. For younger children, provide brief simple information that balances facts with appropriate reassurances that we are all doing our best to keep each other safe such as wearing masks, washing our hands and sticking to designated cohort areas at school. 
5. Be aware of your child’s mental health – If you notice changes to your child’s mental health such as asking lots of questions about COVID, expressing lots of worry, trouble sleeping or concentrating and isolating self from fun activities, please reach out and seek some advice or support through your GP or school counsellor. 

If you would like to read some more information, check out the article by National Association of School Psychologits on Helping Children Cope with Changes Resulting from COVID-19. 

https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/helping-children-cope-with-changes-resulting-from-covid-19 

Thanks

Sharman

Book Club orders close this Friday - 25th February.

Orders can be placed online