Social distancing and an extended March Break isn’t ideal; especially for children.
Registered psychotherapist, Heidi Allen, says kids are missing out on stability that comes with a routine schedule, which is something that gives them a sense of safety.
Allen says parents should always respond to their child’s questions, but only with age-appropriate answers.
Allen says it’s particularly difficult to tell if younger children are anxious since they don’t have the proper vocabulary to detail their emotions, so watch out for changes in behaviour indicating higher stress levels in your kids.
She advises parents to chill out too, as children can sense their parents’ anxiety.
If your child doesn’t quite understand why they can’t go to birthday parties during this period of social isolation, Allen says to give them age-appropriate answers to their questions.
She also encourages parents to listen to their child’s worries while assuring them they’re safe and supported.
