Rolling Hills Primary School Newsletter

Chaplain's Chat

Hi everyone, welcome back to school! It’s been great hearing about all the exciting things the children did over school holidays. 

 

I’ve noticed the start of the new year has both been an exciting time, and a time of uncertainty and worry. Restrictions have been eased and our school, home and social lives have returned to something resembling normal, but we have all needed to adjust what that looks like. We don’t know if we are going to experience another lockdown, or another variant or what other things might come up this year unexpectedly. 

 

So how can you support your children’s mental health throughout the year? What strategies can parents and teachers use as we navigate through another possibly unpredicted year. 

  1. Parents, look after yourself: While it’s natural to be concerned about your children, looking after your own needs will put you in a better position to support those you care about.
     
  2. Keep the conversation open: Constantly changing regulations and restrictions, and rules around reopening can make children more anxious. Help your children feel more in control by providing them with clear, up-to-date and age-appropriate information about the pandemic and restrictions. Make sure you are getting information from a reliable source such as government websites or World Health Organisation
     
  3. Support your children in following rules: Be a good role model by following the local regulations yourself. Model flexibility and problem-solving by showing how you adjust your daily life in response to changing regulations and restrictions.
     
  4. Accept your children’s emotions: It’s normal for children to feel a wide range of strong emotions at different points during the pandemic. You can help your children cope with these by asking how they feel and listening to what they are saying. You can also be patient with your children, and reassuring that they will get through it. 
     
  5. Help your children work out what they can and can’t control: Encourage them to focus on what they can control (like wearing masks, sanitizing etc..) but need to accept they can’t control other people’s behaviour. 
     
  6. Establish routines: Routines can help people feel more organised, in control, safe and secure. Set time for homework, meals, snacks, physical activity, free time and socialisation. Its also incredibly important to set regular sleep routines. 
     
  7. Adjust your expectations: With the changes and uncertainty you may need to adjust expectations. Focus on emotional and physical wellbeing rather than perfection or high productivity.
     
  8. Look for silver linings: Try to convey confidence that things will improve over time and encourage optimism and hope. Showing compassion, empathy and kindness can also benefit your children, encourage them to take opportunities to help outers when they can.

Don’t be afraid to seek professional help for yourself or your children if you are struggling. Talk to your GP or school if you need extra support