HELP KIDS UPSET BY SCHOOL CLOSURES

With schools closed, children may be missing their friends and anxious about the future. Emma says parents can help

You are your child’s emotional compass, and the way that you deal with your stress will directly affect how they deal with theirs. Security is created through habit, so get up and go to sleep at normal times. You need to take care of some of their educational needs, but make lots of times for family bonding and communication.

Connect with friends and family through video calling with fun things like a virtual dinner party.

Just like adults, kids cope best when they have a schedule, so timetable your day, including fitness, chores, cooking, and creativity.

Sadly, some online outlets are skewing headlines to make each one seem more apocalyptic, so you need to police what they are seeing. Encourage them to discuss stories that upset them and defuse their fears by telling them realistic reassuring facts. Take away their technology for at least three hours a day and play soothing music, practise meditation or read together.

Older kids who haven’t said goodbye to friends starting a different school or college next year have suffered big losses, so may be angry or emotional. Ask them how they feel, giving them a safe space to vent. If your kids were taking exams, they may feel lost. Help them to take an online course, or to learn a craft or skill.

Remind your kids that this time will pass and that one day they will be back running for the bus, handing in homework and wishing that they could just stay home and watch their favourite TV show, so to make the best of this time.