School holidays often throw our regular routines out the window but when you add the impact of COVID-19 into the mix many of us are probably struggling to find a new normal. As the way we live and learn is changing, now is a great time to set up a new routine. Routines can help us cope with change and form healthy habits. If you or your child are feeling anxious, a routine can help make your day-to-day life feel a little bit more predictable and manageable. Below are a few tips for a healthy routine.

Schooling

As many parents are now trying to support their children with remote learning it can feel really overwhelming. Your child will be set learning tasks online and everything they need is just a few clicks away. You can help your child by setting a routine for learning time.

Work out a schedule with your child for when they can get stuck into their schoolwork, making sure you factor in breaks, snacks and time to play/relax. Your child is not expected to be glued to a desk from 9 am-3:30 pm. Their learning routine needs to be manageable for them and your family. These are unprecedented times and we understand that families are doing the best they can. This will pass and your child’s education will return to normal so for now the most important thing is that your child feels calm and supported.
For some children it may help to encourage them to wear their uniform (or part of it) to help cue them in that it is time for school and to help them feel a sense of connection to their school.
If you can, set up a designated space for your child to work from. An ideal space is one with minimal distractions that has a comfortable table and seat.

Remember your child’s classroom teacher is there to help you. If you have any questions or need some advice on how to assist your child, please get in touch with them.

Sleep

A regular routine can help with sleep. Having a regular time that you go to bed and get up in the morning can assist our sleep-wake cycle. It makes it easier to get the rest we need.

Exercise

Keeping active is so important for you and your kids. Try to get everyone moving by going for a walk, riding a bike or if the weather isn’t on your side, check out Go Noodle it offers lots of fun movement activities.

Nutrition

When we are time poor, planning and cooking nutritious meals can be hard. Block out some time to cook, eat and clean up. Get the kids involved as much as possible, it will teach them valuable life-skills and take some of the pressure off you.

Connection

We are social creatures, but physical distancing is having a huge impact on our ability to feel connected to our family and friends. Get creative and schedule times to connect. This is important for your child as they will be missing the regular contact of their school friends and teachers. Schedule time to call, video chat, message, or write a letter to someone special. Not only will it help you and your child, but it will also be helping the people you reach out to.

Self-Care

Finding the time for self-care can be particularly challenging if you are trying to work from home and look after children. In stressful times self-care is often the first thing we tend to let go but it is one of the most important. Even taking a brief moment to do something you enjoy will give your mind a break and will boost your mood and lower stress. Why not try:

Thinking about something you are grateful for
Take a few slow, deep breaths
Listen to music
Play a board game
Do some mindful colouring
Read a book
Have a bath
Walk the dog

Small changes to your daily routine can make a big difference and help your family to THRIVE during this difficult time. If you or someone you know needs help there are many supports listed on the THRIVE website.

Langwarrin PS Newsletter

RESPECT RESPONSIBILITY RESILIENCE

TERM 3 WEEK 3 · 30 Jul 2020

In this issue

RESPECT
RESPONSIBILITY
RESILIENCE