THE sudden change in children’s and teenagers’ routine, combined with the COVID-19 crisis will be unsettling, and younger ones might find it difficult to understand what’s happening and why everyone is so worried.

Our mental health is suffering and same goes for our children

Despite the world being an uncertain place at the moment, there are lots of things we can do to look after their mental health and wellbeing during this crisis.

Beat corona anxiety for children and young people by following these steps and worries may be eased:

• Create a routine and structure.
• Keep them connected with friends.
• Re-assure them they are safe.
• Let them talk about their worries.
• Teach them coping skills.

Children may not talk directly about coronavirus but still check-in with them like you would do normally.

• Explain it’s normal to feel scared or unsure.
• Be honest, speak calmly, use age appropriate language.
• Reassure them that elderly family members are being looked after.
• Pay attention to individual worries, these may seem trivial to you, but may feel important to your child.
• You don’t need to have all the answers, if you don’t know you can find out together.