Coronavirus (COVID-19): health of you and your family

Below is a list of resources to help you support your child’s mental health and keep them entertained and occupied during lockdown.

Speaking to your child about coronavirus

• Barnados' guidance for parents on how to talk to children about coronavirus.
• Advice from the Mental Health Foundations on how to talk to children about the news and tips on how to navigate conversations.
• A book about coronavirus, written for children - The Little Corona King for foundation stage and Key Stage 1 children.
• Dr Xand and Dr Chris video on Corona Questions - Corona questions for young people dispelling any myths or fears
• PSHE Association – Advice on talking to children about hygiene routines and how bacteria and viruses affect health in the context of the coronavirus outbreak.

Mental health

This week, 18 to 24 May, is Mental Health Awareness Week and the focus this year is on kindness. Have a chat with your children about the importance of showing kindness and what it feels like to receive kindness. 

This is a great opportunity to encourage children to be kind to themselves and improve their self-esteem. 

Use Mental Health Awareness Week to have conversations with your children about their mental health and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the family’s health and emotional wellbeing.

• Keeping children calm - Breathing exercises, activities, games and videos to help children let go of stress.
• Mindfulness - mindfulness games for children.
• Resources for young people to help them look after their own mental health from the National Centre for Children and Families.
• Lots of free downloadable information and advice is available from The Charlie Waller Memorial, including help with social media and teenagers.

Physical activity

• Staying active - Children will love these Disney inspired Shake Up games. 10 minute bursts of fun will really get your kids moving and count towards the 60 active minutes they need every day!
• Physical activity apps - NHS activity apps to help you boost your physical activity in 10 minute bursts and a couch to 5k routine.
• Joe Wicks PE: Live PE sessions with Joe Wicks, Monday to Friday at 9am.

Books and reading

• If you are a library member can you download eBooks and eAudiobooks free of charge using the Libby app from Overdrive.

Indoor entertainment

• Virtual museum tours - 12 famous museums that offer virtual museum tours that you can take from the sofa.
• 20 virtual field trips to take with your kids  - includes zoos, aquariums and museums.

Outdoors fun

• Make a frog or toad abode in your garden from the RSPB.
• Get active, take notice, keep learning and connect with your family - 100 ideas for things you can do in your back garden.
• Geocaching is an exciting way for the whole family to learn navigation skills while getting out in the fresh air. Cbeebies has some great tips on how to get started.
• Children will love learning important navigation skills with these mapped walks around Medway.