GUIDE KIDS BACK TO ‘REAL LIFE’ SOCIALISING AGAIN

As society tentatively reopens, some children might be excited – but younger kids especially could find it harder to reconnect. Emma discusses how best to prepare them…

Watching my boys communicating solely on headsets has been troubling, so seeing their smiles as they went on their first bike ride with a mate after the minor loosening of the lockdown was joyful. But not all kids react the same way. For younger kids who have got used to you being around 24/7, your return to work, or theirs to school, may cause separation anxiety.

EXPECT CLINGINESS

While we’re still advised to work from home where we can under lockdown measures, some of us will find ourselves returning to work. For babies and toddlers who have grown used to you being there for every feed, bath and bedtime, it would be strange if they didn’t feel a little sad when this is no longer the case, so give them lots of reassurance and cuddles. If you had a small child to look after during lockdown, and they have mostly gravitated towards you rather than your partner, try not to be sad if they become upset when you’re not there. It’s healthy they see you as their secure base. Let them adjust to the changes occurring at home.

MAKE GENTLE CHANGES

We must still take caution and continue to listen to government advice, and stay two metres apart – but now that six people from different households are able to meet outside, arrange a socially-distanced playdate in the park. Go on walks to less visited spots, to make their world feel bigger but safe.

Try not to pre-empt how they will react – instead, deal with issues if they arise. Give lots of reassurance and accept they may be clingier or emotional. These behaviours are natural and will settle down.

REASSURE THEM

Trying to stop small children hugging people they know may be difficult, but keep reminding them it’s not possible at the moment and remember to socially distance. If they haven’t returned to school or nursery yet, start introducing the idea, reminding them of the activities they enjoy and the friends they will be able to play with. Go on a nature trail, taking the route they would take to school or nursery, to start getting them used to the concept of returning there.