OLDER CHILDREN

Older children and teenagers may have different questions and worries about the coronavirus pandemic . Therefore, when you talk to older children about coronavirus you may want to ask them what they are hearing about the virus, what do they know so far to find out if they are hearing the wrong information and whether they have any worries or questions that they would like to ask.

When talking to older children and teenagers about worrying news try to be open, confident, clear and truthful about the facts. Talk to them about what they can do to look after themselves and others, explaining the importance of hand washing, looking after themselves and vulnerable people in the community. 

To avoid overexposure and confusion, encourage them to discuss the news with you once they have read about it. This provides a safe space for all their questions. If you don’t have the answers, be honest and try reading or watching reputable news sources together, that you have already previewed, or share news in the moment by explaining what is happening verbally in an unbiased way.

Please remember to check in with them regularly to ask if they are discussing the pandemic with friends – especially if they have access to messenger apps to stay in touch with school friends. Reassure them that they can always ask you any questions that they may have.

CHILDREN WITH COMPLEX CARE NEEDS

This is a very unusual and stressful time for both you and your child. Changes in routine, not going to school or seeing friends, worries about illness, and uncertainty about what is happening, will all lead to feelings of anxiety, sadness and anger.

Children also pick up on and react to stress. Children very often express their feelings of distress through behaviour. They will need understanding and support from you to manage this difficult time.

Parents who already have a Family Worker should be able to contact them directly for phone advice.

If you do not currently have a Family Worker, try to contact your child’s school in the first instance (most are currently open even if your child is not currently attending school), they should be able to help put you in touch with a local family worker. Cambridgeshire County Council’s website has further guidance regarding the support available locally: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/children-and-families/parenting-and-family-support

If your child does have to attend a medical setting, or if health professionals need to come into your home, it is likely that healthcare workers will be wearing gloves, aprons and masks during the Coronavirus pandemic. We understand that this might be different or scary for children and the following poster may help. We understand that masks may alter communication with children especially those with a hearing impairment or who rely on lip reading to some degree. Please tell any health professionals if you think your child's communication may be affected by the mask so that background noise can be reduced where possible and communication can be supported by simple signs.

If you have a child under the Community Paediatrics service and you are very worried about how you are coping as a family, you can call the paediatric central number on 0300 029 5050.

Helpful resources for parents and others supporting children:

• Coronavirus Workbook for Children  

• Autism self isolation guidance for parents  

• Click here for the Government guidance for parents on supporting the wellbeing of children during the outbreak .

• Click here to watch a video for parents supporting neurodiverse children during isolation.

• NHS website with resources for supporting children with additional needs (e.g. explaining coronavirus, changes to school, creating visual timetables). Click here to read it now.

• Booklet  to help with discussing COVID-19 with children can be accessed here

• Watch a short video explaining COVID-19 for children.

• Watch a video on managing stress and anxiety related to COVID-19 for teenagers or parents of younger children

• Further information and advice for parents supporting children with disabilities

• 'Contact'charity is the the charity who support families of children with disabilities and/or additional needs, they also run a helpline to offer families more individual advice.

YOUNG MINDS CHARITY'S 10 TIPS TO HELP YOU START A CONVERSATION WITH YOUR CHILD ABOUT COVID-19 

1. Try not to shield your child from the news, as it’s likely they will find out somehow from school, being online or from friends.
2. Talk to your child about what is going on. you could start by asking them what they have heard.
3. Try to answer their questions and reassure them in an age appropriate manner. Remember, you do not need to know all the answers, but talking can help them feel calm.
4. Reassure your child that it is unlikely they will get seriously ill, and if they do you feel ill you will look after them. Your child might be concerned about who will look after you if you catch the virus. Let them know the kind of support you have as an adult so that they don’t feel they need to worry about you.
5. Give some practical tips to your child about how they can look after themselves. For example, show them how to wash their hands properly, and remind them when they should be doing it.
6. Keep as many regular routines as possible, so that your child feels safe and that things are stable.
7. Spend time doing a positive activity with your child (e.g. reading, playing, painting, cooking) to help reassure them and reduce their anxiety. This is also a great way of providing a space for them to talk through their concerns, without having a ‘big chat’. For activities ideas, visit our starting a conversation with your child guide. 
8. Encourage your child to think about the things they can do to make them feel safer and less worried.
9. Be aware that your child may want more close contact with you at this time and feel anxious about separation. Try to provide this support whenever possible.
10. Remember to look after yourself too. If you yourself are feeling worried, or anxious about coronavirus, talk to someone you trust who can listen and support you.