It is important that we discuss Coronavirus with our children and family and the importance of hand washing. Children may have lots of questions about what happening or what could happen. Creating a Time Capsule about your experience is one way of being able to record events, feelings and promote understanding with children.
We know that for some parents, having the kids at home full-time can mean different challenges arise. If your child is finding it difficult to adjust to life away from school, you might find it useful to look at advice from the Challenging Behaviour Foundation (CBF).
The CBF provides information and support to families caring for individuals with severe learning disabilities, who may display behaviour described as challenging. By severe learning disabilities, they mean very limited or no verbal communication, as well as a great difficulty in learning new skills or completing everyday tasks.
The CBF has produced special guidance for families during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sometimes it is the smallest things that can create the biggest stresses and come out in unhealthy ways like overeating, being irritable, being unable to focus if we ignore our own feelings. The less obvious losses during this time matter and we need to acknowledge them. It appears obvious to say but make time for you, be it ten minutes on your own in the bathroom or talking to somebody outside of the house. We are lucky to have the technology nowadays to be able to video call and still share moments together.
Let’s not forget us as parents as we miss our time away from the house and a break from our families. We are important too and we need to look after ourselves and wellbeing as well. Read a book, have a bubble bath, join an online exercise class or singing group. Spend time outside and try to enjoy your hours exercise each day. Click here for NHS guidance on tips to improve your mental wellbeing
Coping together tips
- Make time and space for you and your feelings. You are important too.
- Avoid watching too much news and COVID 19 stories
- Limit social media time – what is shared is not always true
- Try to flip a negative situation around into a positive eg, “Don’t be sad about missing out on your end of term party, we can have a party at home instead”.
- Support each other – show understanding to family members when they tell you how they are feeling. This may be displayed in poor behaviour. If it is try to acknowledge how they are feeling and offer support as they too as feeling the impact of the lockdown.
- Respect each others need for privacy and space
- Deal with the now, there’s so much uncertainty at the moment avoid making difficult decisions at the moment if you can.
Ruby’s Fund is able to offer support to families in Cheshire East through our new Thriving Families Toolkit
To visit out main Facebook page click here.
To find support in our closed parent carer support group click here.
If you are feeling lonely and isolated please contact our Befriending Co-ordinator Jill click here
To register for support from our Thriving Families project please click here
To find out more about our parent carer, children and siblings Zoom support groups click here
If you are a registered family with Ruby’s Fund you may be able to access telephone counselling click here to enquire
Here is a link to the Children’s Commissioner for Englands guide to Coronavirus click here
The Coronavirus Act click here
CAMHS Information and support click here
USEFUL CONTACT INFORMATION:
Cheshire East Council COVID 19 support offer click here
Cheshire East Financial support offer during COVID 19 click here
Children with health needs or if your child is unwell click here
Contact online parent carer training in managing your child’s behaviour. Please email: helen.davies@contact.org.uk
Coronavirus and your child’s education by charity Contact click here
Family Action. Providing support for adult members of families via telephone, text, email and webchat on their FAMILYLINE
Family Lives free and confidential helpline for parents in England & Wales How they can help