The unusual times we are currently living in as presented many different challenges for everyone. Keeping our families well and safe is the main priority. As home learning becomes more familiar to everyone it is also important to consider how we are supporting young children in their emotional development.
Now more than ever children will need to feel a sense of safety, comfort and confidence. So many things in their world has changed and become less familiar. The routine of nursery or school and seeing friends is not in place. They may also hear and see stories on TV that could cause confusion and unsettled feelings.
There are many things we can do as part of home learning to ensure children’s emotions stay healthy and balanced. Having a routine in place is a great help as children like structure and to know what is happening next. Give children space and time to talk about their feelings and anything that may be worrying or upsetting them. Encourage the use of feeling words in conversations.
Encourage children to talk about what they like playing at home and why they like to do this. Provide children with uninterrupted time to take part in activities they enjoy. Include opportunities during the day where children can help with simple tasks such as putting away washing, setting the table.
Support children to feel good about their success in their play and learning. Use role play and dressing up as characters as a way to encourage children to talk about and express their feelings. Read books which show how characters support each other and discuss different events and the feelings associated with these.
If you have a garden than this is a good time to engage and explore with the environment. Model and show children how to look after other living things in your garden. Planting and growing or developing a mini beast area are all good ways of doing this.
Listen to different types of music with your child. Talk about how the different music makes you feel. Join in with some online yoga or other relaxation exercise together.
Encourage children to draw or paint about how they are feeling. If you want to be extra creative, they could make a feelings collage. Keep a notebook where your child can draw a happy or sad face etc based on how they are feeling each day. This will enable you to talk to your child about the reasons they are feeling this way and what can be done to make them feel better.
Most of all know that just being with you and at home will bring much comfort and feelings of safety to your child.
Please keep safe and stay well.