Here we go again. It’s not the same as earlier this year, but still, there are things we’re not allowed to do. We’ve some ideas to help your children adapt to change in Lockdown 2.0
As we head into another national lockdown our usual routines may be paused or look somewhat different. Many activities are on hold and meeting friends and family is virtually off-limits. While children can be very good at adjusting to new situations, change and uncertainty can sometimes lead to anxiety. We hope our tips below help you and your children, and you, adapt to Lockdown 2.0 s as smoothly as possible.
Reassurance. Spend time talking about what is happening in a positive way. Use the last lockdown experience to reflect and celebrate how resilient you all are. Perhaps remember the best cakes you made, or even the worst! Answer any questions they may have as honestly as you can.
Make a Plan. Involve the children in creating a plan for after-school and weekends. You could use a calendar to visualise your ideas and draw pictures to show what you might be doing. Think about including physical activity, drawing, puzzles and day trips to parks that they may like to do.
Keep up with physical activity. Research has shown us the direct link between exercise and brain function, in turn lifting mood, increasing confidence and reducing symptoms of anxiety. This is applicable to children as well as adults. Tune into The Little Gym at Home for some fun and uplifting classes for the family or see what Joe Wicks’ new Wake Up with Joe workouts are like. They drop Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6am.
Keep in touch. Just because we can’t visit granny and grandpa, or aunties and uncles doesn’t mean we can’t see them. Organise an online cook-along or zoom Sunday lunch where you can catch up and see each other.
Create a scrapbook. Lockdown doesn’t need to be a series of bad memories! Take photos or get the children to illustrate their favourite activities. If they’re older, they could even write a diary to look back on in later years.
Take some time for you. Head out for a walk on your own to gather your thoughts or meet a friend to exchange your experiences. Managing work, the household, uncertainty and your own insecurities is hard work. Much of our children’s attitude to change will be reflective of how well we’re handling it as parents. Fresh air and some non-kid time can be great for recharging the batteries!
