You would have heard this catch phrase a lot recently and every time I hear it the song from High School Musical goes through my head! Nothing is truer though as we experience this rapidly changing world and try to make sense of it in our own minds, let alone trying to explain to our children.

Here are afew tips to consider when talking with your child about the current situation:

• Don’t be afraid to discuss coronavirus – avoiding a topic can make children worry more. Stick to facts and be reassuring.
• Speak at an appropriate age-level – don’t overwhelm and go into massive detail
• Take cues from your child – ask them what they have heard and what questions they have
• Deal with your own anxiety – don’t talk with them when you are feeling anxious or panicked
• Focus on what you are doing to stay safe
• Stick to routine – this is extremely important for children at all times, but especially in times of uncertainty

This is also a great time to be talking to children about all the things we have to be thankful for. Big or small, we can all find things to be grateful for. What is it for you? Currently I’m enjoying not having to go to basketball games on a Friday night at 9.30pm and also having more time to walk my dog, not to mention less ironing as my husband ditches the business shirt while working from home!

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like to chat or I can help with anything at this uncertain time (jenni.forder365@schools.sa.edu.au)

Jenni Forder

Pastoral Care Worker