Wellbeing

In times of lockdown what can we do??

Over the past 12 months there have been many articles written by experts with hints and strategies to help us manage during lockdowns. Today I would like to mention a few strategies that are consistently listed in these articles that I think may help you and your households.

1. Listen and answer questions: Children will have many questions about what is happening in the world. Allow them time to ask their questions and give them honest but reassuring answers that all will eventually be ok. Help them understand the reasons behind many of the restrictions we have.
2. Valid children's feelings: It is important to give children the opportunity to share their feelings of anger, frustration and worry as these are normal feelings that we all experience. You need to have a balance of acknowledging these feelings and then giving strategies to find a little positive in their day or to focus on something they can control to help them create some positive emotions. Eg. 'We can't control what is happening in the world and that is frustrating but we can help ourselves to have a fun night and all play a board game together.'
3. Stay in touch with others. While we can't physically see our friends and families it is very important to still stay in contact. Think of creative ways this can happen. Children joining school google meets, having face time calls with their friends, writing letters, or phone calls with family are all important ways to help everyone feel connected still.
4. Start new traditions. To help break up the monotony of lockdowns think about some things that you can do as a family to look forward to in your day or week. Maybe you have a movie night once a week, enjoy a yummy treat together on a Friday to celebrate the end of the week, start of project at home eg. plant some plants.
5. Have routines and structure: Having a daily routine is helpful to our wellbeing. Try and get up at a set time each day, get dressed and have breakfast before starting remote learning. Have a set place that school work is completed. Sitting in bed is not a healthy or productive place to work. Make sure that your daily routine includes breaks off screens and some outside exercise everyday.

There are 2 very useful picture story books that will help you reflect on these times with your children.

1. I'm a Hero Too written by Javila Rizvi. You have access to this on Storybox online. It is written by a mother to her child to explain how life changes during Corona Virus.
2. Windows by Patrick Guest. This is available on Youtube and is another lovely story about the changes we see in our community during lockdowns.

Thank you once again for the exceptional job you are all doing in working in partnership with us during this difficult time. Please always remember that if you need assistance reach out to your child's class teacher. 

Please take care everyone,

Rikki Winduss

Wellbeing Leader