Supporting Your Child As Lockdown Dials Down
After what feels like an eternity, Covid restrictions are gradually being lifted across the UK. Whilst this is a good thing for everyone, it’s also potentially a little daunting for children who have had to adapt to such big changes at a young and vulnerable age. This article explains the ways in which you can support your child mentally and physically as we slowly but surely move into a post-lockdown world.
Returning to School After Lockdown
@BorisJohnson has said it’s “vitally important” for children to return to school. This is probably one of the biggest changes that children have had to face during the pandemic. Whilst some kids had an extended amount of time off school, some children were not able to start school at all and had to miss out on a major milestone. As children return to school, it’s important to ensure that they feel safe and supported. Take note of what safety measures your child’s school is putting in place and take some time to explain them to your child so they feel informed and more confident.
Talk with Your Child
The Mental Health Foundation highlights that some children may still have worries about the virus and you should acknowledge this and allow them to express their concerns or fears with you. ‘Talk to them in a way that is sensitive to their needs – you will know your child best. Don’t intrude or impose yourself on them, but gently open the conversation and let them know you’re there for them if they want to talk.’
Help Your Child Get Some Shut-eye
A way to support your child physically before the return to school is by encouraging a healthy routine. Sleep is very important for your child’s health and wellbeing so try to establish a routine that allows them to go to sleep at a decent time and wake up feeling refreshed. This article on back-to-school bedtime routines suggests the following steps:
- Gradually change their sleep schedule – If your kids have been staying up late, a few weeks before heading back to school, try to make bedtime and wake-up time 15 minutes earlier each day.
- Establish a calming bedtime routine – Having a warm bath or shower, reading a bedtime story, and other calming activities such as listening to relaxing music or a podcast will help them unwind.
- Find out how much sleep your child needs – Children of different ages are recommended different amounts of sleep. As every child is different, keep track of your little one’s sleep and see how they function the following day. Perhaps they need a bit more sleep or even a little bit less.
- Avoid blue light before bed – Try to turn off all sources of blue light at least an hour before bedtime. This includes devices such as TVs, tablets, and mobile phones as they can disrupt the sleep hormone, melatonin.
- Keep the bedroom at a comfortable temperature – It’s generally recommended that children’s bedrooms should be around 18 degrees Celsius (65 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Cut out caffeine – Avoid giving your child chocolate and caffeinated soft drinks in the evenings as these could keep them up at night.
Establish an Exercise Routine
Our article on emotional support for kids highlights that exercise has been shown to be hugely beneficial to children’s mental as well as physical health. After lockdown is lifted, joining a sports team is a great way for your little one to meet new friends and enjoy social time again.
The roadmap out of Covid restrictions may feel like a long one but there’s still plenty to do as a family. Online parties and home activities are still great options to keep everyone safe.