Supporting Your Family's Well Being
Tips for Families
Remember well-being
It's important to remember to look after your mental health and well-being, and for your family. Take a look at the information on this download, which has some activity ideas and suggestions for your family:
It's important to remember to look after your mental health and well-being, and for your family. Take a look at the information on this download, which has some activity ideas and suggestions for your family:
| Mental Health and Well Being Ideas |
Talk to your children, and answer their questions.
Ask about what they have heard about the virus and the situation so that you can correct possible misconceptions and reassure them. Avoid being too immersed in media coverage. Be mindful of the amount of things you are reading and watching, including social media – as this may add to worry and anxiety. Consider a few updates every day from trusted sources.
Remember that people react differently to significant events.
Some people – adults and children – may feel worried, some excited, some nothing much at all. Be reassured that different reactions are normal and ok. If your child seems worried, it may be good to distract themselves with something that takes their mind off their worries. You might also want to set aside 10-15 minutes each day for them to talk about any worries, and to reassure them.
Remember to keep things positive and give children hope.
For example, tell children that now many people are working to make this better and that even though it is serious, everyone is doing their best to help people.
Try to keep familiar routines.
Well-known routines in everyday life provide security and stability. Do nice things together, and keep active. Make a plan and suggest some regular family times where you can play games, do some exercise together, or do other things that you know most of you like. Try to find a good balance between time together, and screen time. Keep in good contact with family and friends (via Facetime, Skype WhatsApp etc.; following nhs guidance on ‘social contact’). This will help children connect with others and know that others are thinking about them. It will also reassure them that others are well.
Look after yourself
As a parent you may be concerned yourself. Take care of yourself and make sure you have breaks, time to relax, and ask for help from others if you need. If you need support, please do speak to us at school and we will support you or find someone that can). You can email us on [email protected]
Some useful links for talking to children about Coronavirus
Advice on talking to children about Coronavirus, by British Psychological Society
How to talk to your child about coronavirus, by Unicef
Child-friendly explanation of Coronavirus for Primary age students
Information video on Coronavirus for Primary age children (KS2), by Brainpop
Information video on Coronavirus for older children/adults, by WHO
Your well-being
Coronavirus and your wellbeing, by Mind UK
5 ways to wellbeing, by Mindkit
Ask about what they have heard about the virus and the situation so that you can correct possible misconceptions and reassure them. Avoid being too immersed in media coverage. Be mindful of the amount of things you are reading and watching, including social media – as this may add to worry and anxiety. Consider a few updates every day from trusted sources.
Remember that people react differently to significant events.
Some people – adults and children – may feel worried, some excited, some nothing much at all. Be reassured that different reactions are normal and ok. If your child seems worried, it may be good to distract themselves with something that takes their mind off their worries. You might also want to set aside 10-15 minutes each day for them to talk about any worries, and to reassure them.
Remember to keep things positive and give children hope.
For example, tell children that now many people are working to make this better and that even though it is serious, everyone is doing their best to help people.
Try to keep familiar routines.
Well-known routines in everyday life provide security and stability. Do nice things together, and keep active. Make a plan and suggest some regular family times where you can play games, do some exercise together, or do other things that you know most of you like. Try to find a good balance between time together, and screen time. Keep in good contact with family and friends (via Facetime, Skype WhatsApp etc.; following nhs guidance on ‘social contact’). This will help children connect with others and know that others are thinking about them. It will also reassure them that others are well.
Look after yourself
As a parent you may be concerned yourself. Take care of yourself and make sure you have breaks, time to relax, and ask for help from others if you need. If you need support, please do speak to us at school and we will support you or find someone that can). You can email us on [email protected]
Some useful links for talking to children about Coronavirus
Advice on talking to children about Coronavirus, by British Psychological Society
How to talk to your child about coronavirus, by Unicef
Child-friendly explanation of Coronavirus for Primary age students
Information video on Coronavirus for Primary age children (KS2), by Brainpop
Information video on Coronavirus for older children/adults, by WHO
Your well-being
Coronavirus and your wellbeing, by Mind UK
5 ways to wellbeing, by Mindkit
