Imagine how much has changed in the last few weeks. From our daily routines or simple every day habits. Today we are working from home; no more school; no more playdates. This list goes on and on. So many uncertainties. So many questions. So much fear in the unknown.

As adults, we have the resiliency to bounce back, but how about our children? What can we do today to teach them resiliency in order to help them to face their fears, especially when dealing with this scary virus they are hearing about?

As educators, we know the importance of routine for a child’s well-being and development. The predictability in every day routines helps calm any growing anxiety/fear that the unknown may bring.

Here are our suggestions that we hope are useful for you and your child/children during this time of quarantine and social distancing:

• In the next few weeks try to come up with a routine at home. Try to have meals, playtime and naptimes at the same time every day. Remember, older children need routines just as much as the younger ones!
• Talk, talk, talk! Don’t be afraid to answer their questions. Be honest. 
• Limit their exposure to what is happening in the news. The information out there in unsettling for some adults, imagine for a young child. Too much information may cause unnecessary anxiety
• Focus on the positives and not on the negatives. How? Continue to remind them about healthy habits like handwashing, face touching and how to properly cough/sneeze into their sleeves. Make it a game! 
• Reassure them that doctors and nurses and all community workers are working really hard to keep them safe, but they need to do their part to.

Here are some books you could read to your child to help them build resiliency against fear they may be experiencing during this time:

1. Lalli, J., I Like Being Me. Free Spirit Publishing, 1997 A collection of poems about being kind, solving problems, learning from mistakes, telling the truth, dealing with feelings, and more
2. Leghorn, L., Proud of Our Feelings Magination Press, 1995 A book designed to stimulate discussion about people’s feelings.
3. Thomas, F., What If?  Hyperion Books for Children, 1998 A young monster is worried about what will happen “if.” His mother calms him by reframing the negative thinking into positive thinking.
4. Dunbar, P., Flyaway Katie. Candlewick Press, 2004 A young girl uses her imagination to transform a grey day into one of colour
5. Henkes, K., A Good Day Greenwillow Books, 2007 Obstacles, disappointment, and fear can make the day look pretty bad. But we can turn things around and make the day look good!
6. Todd Parr. The Don’t Worry Book. June 2019. A great book explaining what worry is and how to deal with it.

Just remember one thing: If you are experiencing some anxiety yourself, always remember your child is watching. Children are so quick to pick up how we are feeling and they will react to our fears as well. 

So, continue to hug and cuddle and keep doing those deep breath exercises. You will create some terrific bonds with your children in a time that is so terrifying.

Remember we are all in this together!!!

God Bless!