This is a crazy time, full of life challenges and new rhythm for the whole family which your child may be feeling. SunChild believes the most imporatant things we can do when talking to our children about COVID-19 is to be understanding, be present and be connected.
Firstly before we talk to our children, we must calm our own anxiety and maybe irrational fears we are having about the virus as we don’t want to project this onto our children. Secondly, trust your child can handle the truth. Tell your child yes, there are variables that we now have to be cautious of right here in the present moment, but this is very different from future irrational fears that have not even happened. Letting your child know some days we may feel frustrated that we can’t see our friends or scared for our grandparents are all valid, but also some days we can feel okay, and all responses to how we are feeling right now in that present moment are acceptable. This is not a time to be an over perfectionist. If you parent from a place that constantly worries about the future, then your children will learn the same anxiety. But if you rather live in the present and say there is a global fear right now, it can be managed and contained by following the guidelines then your child will feel much more grounded even in this groundless time.
The opportunity for growth lies in how you are guiding your children through the global pandemic. It is probably their first experience of life challenges and therefore being part of a worldwide growth, where the world is becoming one and people all over coming together. Children are building resilience with each day of isolation and learning how they can do there part to help others. This is why we must tell the truth in a very calm way and give children the power to help.
Say to your child “what are we going to do when we walk in the house, we are going to wash our hands” or “grandma is feeling very alone during isolation, let’s call her or better write her a letter”. Take the attitude that you and your child will be more connected and stronger than ever before. Where there is darkness, there is an opportunity for light. Being home with our children and spending quality time together isn’t so bad. It's as if the world has taken a spiritual pause, and we are all no matter on our age going to learn such an invaluable life lesson that will truly shape the rest of our life.
Our Sunchild positive affirmation card gives children the language and the understanding they may need to communicate how they are feeling, connecting with themselves and knowing everthing will be okay. If you are struggling with having a open disscussion with your child and feeling overwhelm with the virus yourself, try our cards as a great converstaion starter for the whole family.
Keep Safe & Keep Shining,
Charlotte x
SunChild Founder
