Here are 10 sage advice tips on soothing worries about the current situation.

1. Take it seriously. Be present and available when your child talks about death. Put down your phone. Stop unloading the dishwasher. Behave as if your child’s thoughts or worries on this topic matter to you.
2. Be calm and reassuring. They need you to be the adult here, the strong person in charge who will keep them safe. For younger children particularly, offer (but don’t insist) on physical comfort – allow them to set the terms.
3. Control what you can control –Talk about and involve your children in planning and preparedness at your home, and take this opportunity to set new routines include some chores. This could be about hand hygiene, coughing etiquette, not touching your face, an elbow tap instead of handshake (there are some really funny videos online and it will be a fun activity to practice). Choose one reputable website to get your information from (such as the Department of Health) and resist temptation to look at more sensational sources.
4. Focus on the positive – during threatening situations, it takes longer for children’s bodies’ stress response to “turn off.” But reassurance from parents can go a long way toward calming them. Let your kids know that even though there’s still much to learn about COVID-19, it’s up to the adults to figure it out, and they don’t need to worry. Talk about all the things people are doing together to help each other and stay healthy.
5. Ensure a healthy balance. Like adults, kids are healthier in body and mind when they have a reasonably predictable schedule of meals, playtime, learning time, chores, outdoor time, and the rest. Turn off the news at 6pm. Monitor Youtube access as this could be a place where your child searches for information independently and these results will be unfiltered and could be inappropriate for the age of your child and therefore unhelpful.
6. Model an attitude of gratitude. Support your child in appreciating what’s good in their life. They will focus less on their fears as they find the pleasure in helping others, focusing on the well-being of others. Gratitude has many benefits, including increased well-being, sleep, energy, optimism, relationships & empathy. Practice Gratitude by creating a Gratitude Jar [write on a post-it & place in jar share whenever necessary]; as a family go on a gratitude walk to observe the things you see as you walk around your neighbourhood; reflect on your day at the dinner table with the family.
7. Institute a daily 'talk about it' session. Set aside a special ten minute 'Worry Session' every day to discuss your child’s concerns. Ask them to talk to you about what they’re worrying about – it may not be about Covid. Be present, available, and reassuring. If you are available to your child during this time, it will pay dividends for you as they will be more likely to discuss their bigger issues with you during adolescence.
8. Set up a support circle – set up a circle of support of responsible adults who they could also speak to especially located in environments outside of home.
9. Read good children’s books about bravery and how to manage. These include
   1. 1. Invisible String;
      2. The Girl who Lost Her Smile;
      3. Sheila Rae the Brave;
      4. Courage;
      5. Tomorrow I’ll be Brave;
      6. Willy the Wimp and lots more.
10. Consult a professional. If the worries get too big, and you're not able to soothe your child, it's time to talk to a professional. You may need help dealing with your child’s anxieties.

(From Kath Sly – Guidance Officer)