So, as we start to return slowly but it seems surely towards a more normal way of life, going back to what we knew a mere 15 months ago can be a cause for anxiety. As an adult with life experience on your side, it’s hard enough but many of us have developed resilience and coping strategies throughout our lives. Unfortunately, for children, things may not be as straight forward. Aware that their lives changed dramatically last year, it is only now that the extent of the effect on children’s mental health is starting to become evident. With this in mind, here are a few ideas on how to make the next few months a time of renewed positivity.
- Resist the temptation to cram lots of events into every spare moment in an effort to make up for lost time. This kind of rebound behaviour can’t last and isn’t normality so try and return to the pace of life to how it was before the pandemic.
- Try not to talk too much about the pandemic being over. We are still in the midst of a global scenario and due to our close connections, things could worsen again before we really do come out the other end. This is very much a balancing act of giving children realistic expectations whilst letting them have some deserved happiness.
- Normalise the idea of coronavirus. It isn’t going to disappear but we now have the tools increasingly to deal with it. The less they fear it, the more memories will fade.
- Make sure they have a healthy diet wherever possible and get plenty ofoutdoor play and exercise. This is known to boost mental health so there is never too much time that can be spent in the open air. If they are a fussy eater or just to ensure they are getting the nutritional help they need, top their diet up with vitamins.