Well-being Resources For Parents

Dear Parents. During these new times of uncertainty and heightened levels of stress and anxiety, we remommend having a look at these great resources to help children and adults manage their emotions.

Here are some strategies to help children manage their emotions during times of uncertainty and heightened levels of stress and anxiety:

Belly breathing;

Remind children to breathe in slowly through the nose and out through the mouth. A slow exhale stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. A variation of belly breathing is to breathe in memories of feeling safe and happy and breathe out any uncomfortable feelings.

Slow counting;

Positive self-talk;

Help children identify negative self-talk related to coronavirus
Clarify any misunderstandings they might have about what is happening with coronavirus
Discuss helpful or positive self-talk that they could use

Showing Empathy and Kindness

Remind children that others can have the same or different feelings in response to coronavirus (perspective-taking).
Have children reflect on how it feels when someone else has empathy for them - that is when another person feels and understands how they feel.
Have children identify acts of kindness or support that would feel helpful to them as individuals.

Further resources you can access at home include:

KIDS MEDITATION - SQUARE BREATHING (Focus & Calm) on YouTube

By Stop, Breathe & Think

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFdZXwE6fRE

There are many YouTube videos you can access from home including:

The Friendship Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L14QtTGtjF4

What Makes a Good Friend?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avHdx18pi_U

Keeping Calm- Building Resilience with Hunter and Eve: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=losfxbMKwPo

Staying Safe- Building Resilience with Hunter and Eve: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMqeqDT9rag

Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800

https://kidshelpline.com.au

Kids Helpline offers Webchat counselling for children at no cost. It operates 24/7 and provides parents with information and resources to help with communication and building positive relationships with children.

Resources for Parents can also be found at Parenting Ideas

Experts such as Michael Grose have many interesting tips and articles to support parenting.

https://www.parentingideas.com.au/

“At Parenting Ideas, we’re here to help people successfully raise confident, happy and resilient kids. Over the course of nearly twenty years, we’ve become one of Australia’s most trusted sources of parenting education and support.”

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT CARONA VIRUS

TIPS FOR COPING WITH CARONA VIRUS ANXIETY