Wellbeing Update | 15.7.2020

Wellbeing at CCPS

Term 3 changes

Unfortunately we start the term with remote learning again and this will bring about a variety of feelings in both children and adults.  I know teachers were disappointed, but they have been busy planning engaging activities this week to see us through the next weeks of online work.

Our main focus will be on the wellbeing of our children and we will endeavour to provide tips and activities regularly to support families in this area.

I found the following information today that I think has some great ideas for families to try to work through the anxieties and concerns that are around us all at the moment.

Many children are aware of the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) and may pick up on the concerns and anxiety of others.

This could be through listening and watching what is happening at school, at home or online. It is important you speak with your children about their concerns.

What you can do:

• Try and model calmness when talking with your children and family.
• Talk with your children about how they are feeling. Listen and reassure them.
• Talk with your children about COVID‑19. Answer their questions as honestly as possible. This may help to address their fears and reduce anxiety.
• Limit media exposure—frequent exposure to media may increase fear and anxiety.
• Focus on what you are doing as a family to stay safe. Give your children clear information about how to reduce their risk of infection in words they can understand, as this will give them a sense of control.

Spend time together and keep to routines as much as possible or help create new ones. Make time for playing and relaxing. Have fun together.

Look out for signs of distress—children may respond to stress in different ways. This may include changes to their sleeping patterns, change to appetite, loss of independence, e.g. increased clinginess, wanting to be close to adults or an increased in anger, irritability, anxiety and/or fear.

Try and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Supporting learning and wellbeing in the home

Being in a confined space for a long period of time may lead to added stress and conflict in the home.

What you can do:

Reassure

• Talk to your family about what is happening. Understanding the situation may reduce their anxiety.
• Help your children think about how they have coped with difficult situations in the past and reassure them. Discuss different ways children and adults react to different stressful situations.
• Remind them that isolation will not last for long but necessary for their ongoing safety.

Engage

• Exercise regularly as it is a proven way of reducing stress and depression. Be creative. This could include exercise videos, dancing, yoga, walking around the backyard or using home exercise equipment.
• Plan time for structured family activities, schoolwork and play. Keep a normal routine where possible.

Connect

• Encourage your children to keep in touch with family members and friends via telephone, email or where appropriate, social media.
• Communicate with your children’s school often as they will regularly update and provide you with important and current information.
• Have fun together as a family.

Remember, any decisions or actions you may take is what you have consider best for you and your family. Do what you can, try and be patient with yourself, your family and others, and seek support as needed.

NB: This information is also available as translated pdfs.

From: https://www.education.wa.edu.au/learning-at-home/student-health-and-wellbeing

Stay safe.

Kerry Bates and Sarah Tappy