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lOcAl trAvel
tOdAy'S cHild

plan increases their sense of
is so much fake news and so many plan increases their sense of
conspiracy theories circulating currently security.
on social media that we need to be extra
vigilant about what teens and children are in SuMMaRy
consuming. We need to try to encourage • Focus on building
messages of hope and optimism. This resilience through
helps build resilience. Even in the most some structure and
diffi cult situation, your positive outlook on routine. Mental health
the future will help your children see good relies on physical
things in the world around them, helping routines, all too easily
them through challenging times not only lost during challenging
now but in the future as well. times. Having no
routine whatsoever is
4. ConTRolling The unsettling. Adults and
ConTRollableS children are happier with
at least a rough schedule
Easier said than done but try… control at least a rough schedule
what you have control over and try not day to day.
worrying about what you cannot control.
• Get back to some routines. As soon Exercise: Daily, or every
second day, exercise will make
as possible, try to follow some routines second day, exercise will make
because they provide comfort and a your children happier, even if
your children happier, even if
familiarity in their structure. Follow as they complain. It will probably make
they complain. It will probably make
you happier too. Exercise affects your
normal a schedule as possible. Try to you happier too. Exercise affects your
mood, your energy level, ability to learn,
maintain household rules and discipline, mood, your energy level, ability to learn,
and more. If you cannot get outside, Yoga
as these provide children with security. It is and more. If you cannot get outside, Yoga Use screen time wisely and concisely. Be
fi ne to let your children be more dependent or Pilates are great, or seek out online critical of what you consume as real.
on you at this time. Things that may seem exercise apps. I also know some of our
small to you, like going to the park or coaches are offering training programmes, Relationships: One of the best uses for
having friends over, are important to your so make use of their expertise and skills screens is in communicating with true
children and will be seen as big losses. Be at this time. They create connection and friends and family. Let’s use technology
patient and help them think of alternative give you, your children (and the coach) well. Support your family and your children
activities if their regular activities are something with which to fi ll a portion of the by reaching out regularly to friends and
cancelled. Provide plenty of opportunities day. relatives during this time.
for play and learning.
Sleep: A consistent routine, including a • Stay vigilant around online schooling.
• Children cope better and recover sooner consistent bedtime, encourages better This is new to all, expect your child will
when they help others because this creates sleep. Sleep heals. need supervision and guidance while
a sense of control and helps them feel working online. Children with learning
better about themselves. Little things such Nutrition: Eat as healthily as you can. concerns will need more direct involvement
as drawing granny a picture and sending Cooking and baking are great activities and structure than same-age peers to get
it to her via WhatsApp can make a huge when you're inside all day and they build online work done. Ask for teacher support
difference to both them and granny, as relationships. early. If your child is struggling to learn at
will phoning a friend that may be forgotten home, seek out advice for what to try next.
in the usual social mix. There are many Screen time: I cannot stress this one
apps available that can bring us ‘together’ enough. Stay on top of screen time. Kids •Stay realistic but reassuring about
at this time, so let’s use them to break the who spend too much time on screens get COVID-19. Remember, children process
disconnect. moody and edgy, especially the teens. things differently from adults. Encourage
Open-ended limits lead to problems. Set discussion and questions but avoid
• For older children and teens, another limits where possible. For adults, you may fl ooding them with facts. They tend to need
way to encourage their sense of control need to do the same, particularly by taking straightforward answers to their questions.
is to review your own family plan breaks from the news. There are so many Then wait and see what further questions
together. What are you planning to do conspiracy theories going around and your answer brings. Answer those
if x happens? Coming up with a family these will escalate as time progresses.
questions in the same way, to the point and
reassuring.
We need to change our thinking around
staying home due to COVID-19. Yes, the
reality is present but there is also hope.
If we dare to deconstruct the dominant
negative narratives and stand against
sensationalist stories by breathing life into
alternate stories of hope and growth, we
then take a stance which is very different.
We are then a community working to
protect the vulnerable among us. We are
then building our ‘community’. We are
then teaching our children solidarity and
preparedness, as a family, as a community,
and as a country. We are then redefi ning
our values and we will fi nd gains during this
challenging time.

I leave you with a parting question:
How often are we given the opportunity to
spend so much time with our family?
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