Managing Your Child's Wellness & Mental Health (more links below)
How can we talk to our kids about COVID-19? How can we make being at home a good experience? Try following these methods with your children:
We know that COVID-19 is probably on your mind. Everyone is talking and worrying about it. And all your favourite activities and places are being cancelled or closed. So how are you supposed to deal with all of this? Here are some tips:
1. Keep active
It is important for both your physical and mental health to do 30 minutes of exercise a day. This can include going for a walk, stretching/yoga, playing active video games, or having a dance party! It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it gets you moving! Do something you already love to do or try something new! Maybe even set a new goal for yourself, such as being able to do 10 push-ups, being able to touch your toes, or learning a new dance routine. Share your goal with others and track your progress so you can see results and others can help cheer you on!
2. Have fun
Do things that make you feel good. You could go outside and play or stay in to read a book. Be creative and make a craft. Draw, write or make music. All of these things can help you feel good and relax. You might even find some fun things online that will allow you to continue to participate in activities you enjoy. For example, some dance companies are starting to offer free live dance classes online. Or some musical artists are streaming live concerts. See what you can find!
3. Keep a routine
Even though you may have nowhere to go, with school and activities cancelled, it’s important to keep a fairly regular routine. On weekdays, change into daytime clothes (save the pajamas for the weekend). Create a schedule for each day, including things like physical activity, learning, fun, connecting with friends and family, and quiet time. It's important to have kids input on their daily schedule. You don't need to use start-end times - try a first, next, then approach. If you need help, check out https://mommyhood101.com/daily-schedule-for-kids for some ideas. I suggest building in time for reading, exercising, preparing healthy foods, games, connecting with others, and being creative/trying something new.
4. Exercise your brain
Just because school is cancelled, doesn’t mean you have to stop learning. Continue doing some form of learning every week day. Reading is always a great choice! Your teachers may send home some things that you could do or you can find learning activities on line. For example, Khan Academy offers free and fun online learning for kids. Check them out at www.khanacademy.org.
5. Try to stay calm
It is normal to feel worried about COVID-19 or sad about how it is affecting your life. Learn some ways to cope with the feelings by checking out www.kidshelpphone.ca. If you think you are getting too stressed and might need some help, here are some options:
1. Talk to your parents, or another adult that you trust (IVS Guidance Counselor 506-349-7663)
2. Contact Kids Help Phone for help:
a. Visit their website at www.kidshelpphone.ca
b. text TALK to 686868 to chat with a volunteer Crisis Responder 24/7.
c. Call 1-800-668-6868.
6. Keep in Touch
Even though we are all being asked to keep our distance from each other, that doesn’t mean you can’t connect with family and friends. In fact, it’s very important for your mental health to keep in touch. Use technology to help you contact your friends and family regularly. Connect using the phone, social media, FaceTime or WhatsApp, etc. Whatever works for you and your family. Maybe you can even teach a grandparent how to use one of these options so that they can stay in touch!
7. Help Out
Knowing your family has a plan can help you feel more safe and secure. Talk to your family about the plans they are making to keep your family as safe as possible. Ask them if there is something you can do to help. They might put you in charge of some tasks around the house, like making sure everything is kept clean.
8. Know the Facts
It can be helpful to learn more about COVID-19, how to protect yourself, what the symptoms are and what to do if you feel sick. There is a lot of information out there about COVID-19, but it’s important to make sure you are getting your information trustworthy sources. But, don’t spend too much time watching, reading, or listening to news stories. It can be upsetting to hear about it too much. Checking once a day is more than enough news! (GNB information source)
Parents: more information check out this website
We know that COVID-19 is probably on your mind. Everyone is talking and worrying about it. And all your favourite activities and places are being cancelled or closed. So how are you supposed to deal with all of this? Here are some tips:
1. Keep active
It is important for both your physical and mental health to do 30 minutes of exercise a day. This can include going for a walk, stretching/yoga, playing active video games, or having a dance party! It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it gets you moving! Do something you already love to do or try something new! Maybe even set a new goal for yourself, such as being able to do 10 push-ups, being able to touch your toes, or learning a new dance routine. Share your goal with others and track your progress so you can see results and others can help cheer you on!
2. Have fun
Do things that make you feel good. You could go outside and play or stay in to read a book. Be creative and make a craft. Draw, write or make music. All of these things can help you feel good and relax. You might even find some fun things online that will allow you to continue to participate in activities you enjoy. For example, some dance companies are starting to offer free live dance classes online. Or some musical artists are streaming live concerts. See what you can find!
3. Keep a routine
Even though you may have nowhere to go, with school and activities cancelled, it’s important to keep a fairly regular routine. On weekdays, change into daytime clothes (save the pajamas for the weekend). Create a schedule for each day, including things like physical activity, learning, fun, connecting with friends and family, and quiet time. It's important to have kids input on their daily schedule. You don't need to use start-end times - try a first, next, then approach. If you need help, check out https://mommyhood101.com/daily-schedule-for-kids for some ideas. I suggest building in time for reading, exercising, preparing healthy foods, games, connecting with others, and being creative/trying something new.
4. Exercise your brain
Just because school is cancelled, doesn’t mean you have to stop learning. Continue doing some form of learning every week day. Reading is always a great choice! Your teachers may send home some things that you could do or you can find learning activities on line. For example, Khan Academy offers free and fun online learning for kids. Check them out at www.khanacademy.org.
5. Try to stay calm
It is normal to feel worried about COVID-19 or sad about how it is affecting your life. Learn some ways to cope with the feelings by checking out www.kidshelpphone.ca. If you think you are getting too stressed and might need some help, here are some options:
1. Talk to your parents, or another adult that you trust (IVS Guidance Counselor 506-349-7663)
2. Contact Kids Help Phone for help:
a. Visit their website at www.kidshelpphone.ca
b. text TALK to 686868 to chat with a volunteer Crisis Responder 24/7.
c. Call 1-800-668-6868.
6. Keep in Touch
Even though we are all being asked to keep our distance from each other, that doesn’t mean you can’t connect with family and friends. In fact, it’s very important for your mental health to keep in touch. Use technology to help you contact your friends and family regularly. Connect using the phone, social media, FaceTime or WhatsApp, etc. Whatever works for you and your family. Maybe you can even teach a grandparent how to use one of these options so that they can stay in touch!
7. Help Out
Knowing your family has a plan can help you feel more safe and secure. Talk to your family about the plans they are making to keep your family as safe as possible. Ask them if there is something you can do to help. They might put you in charge of some tasks around the house, like making sure everything is kept clean.
8. Know the Facts
It can be helpful to learn more about COVID-19, how to protect yourself, what the symptoms are and what to do if you feel sick. There is a lot of information out there about COVID-19, but it’s important to make sure you are getting your information trustworthy sources. But, don’t spend too much time watching, reading, or listening to news stories. It can be upsetting to hear about it too much. Checking once a day is more than enough news! (GNB information source)
Parents: more information check out this website
Web-links for official GNB Education Related Documents & Web pages
- Talking with your child about COVID-19
- Emotional Well-being: The Importance of Connecting
- Social Distancing: What does that mean?
Some of us just want learning activities, so here are some links to get you moving in that direction: