Managing social distancing & home-stay with young children
I. Structure, consistency & relationships are key : None of us “know” what the right thing to do is in an unprecedented situation. Luckily, kids don’t need us to be perfect; they need us to be present. Relationships are foundational, finding time to play, to support, to just be with. Consistency, routines, relationships & being there with them, keeps kids RESILIENT. II. Make space for feelings : Shield your kids from scary news. No matter how good you are at keeping the news off till they’re in bed, kids will almost certainly pick up that something feels strange. Their routines are changing, they can’t see their friends, they’re going to ask questions! When they do, answer them in a way that is simple, true, and grounded in present if your child asks about his grandparents, you might say, “We can’t see Grandma right now. I know you miss her a lot, and I do too. Let's draw a card for her today & we can email it to her". III. Schedule playtime:...
