Written by Pablo Vandenabeele, Clinical Director for Mental Health, Bupa UK
Given the uncertainty we’re all living through at the moment, it’s understandable that young people may feel worried or anxious about the changes to their daily routines as a result of social distancing. It will take some time for things to get back to some kind of ‘normal’ but in the meantime there are ways in which you can support your child to get through this situation.
Keep talking
It seems obvious, but with the boundaries between school, work and home life becoming blurred, it can be easy to confuse presence with communication.
Make time to listen to your child’s concerns and discuss any issues in a calm and open manner. Find out what they think and know about coronavirus and answer any questions you can and clear up any misunderstandings.
You may not have all the answers but talking should help your child feel more understood and supported.
Try and maintain a routine
A familiar routine can help provide children with a sense of safety and control in what is an unpredictable situation. It can also ensure time is carved out for activities such as mealtimes, learning, playing, going for a walk, catching up with family and friends on phone and video.
These new routines will leave some children feeling as though they’re missing out on the old ones. Talk to them about this and discuss why it’s important we make these temporary changes. And let them know that you’re missing your friends and family too.
Get active
Whether it’s walking the dog, going for walk around the local park or finding activities to do indoors such as painting, cooking, exercising and gardening, making time to have fun together will help keep children physically and mentally active. It will also help take their mind off the news and social media which can add to their anxiety.
Make a toolkit
Put together a box of ‘tools’ for the times when they’re feeling too down or worried to come up with ideas for how to occupy their mind. It could contain anything that will help provide a break from their thoughts or feelings of isolation. For example, their favourite colouring books, jigsaws, games, some treats or photos.
And finally, remember we’re all facing this together
We’re all learning and adapting to the challenges of coronavirus. Don’t worry about being a perfect home schoolteacher or about your children sometimes preferring screen time to play time, in these unfamiliar times it’s more important that they feel safe and secure.
Where to get further support:
- The Bupa UK Foundation has partnered with the charity, Mind to support the mental health of younger people. You can find a new coronavirus and your wellbeing – for young people’ guide to help teenagers who are worried about coronavirus
- Government guidance is available for parents and carers on supporting young people’s mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak
Bupa guest author
