All children have emotional needs but some children appear more  sensitive and /or their reactions may seem more excessive.

The NHS have very clear advice pages to help you understand and support your child’s needs

Anxiety https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/anxiety-in-children/

Anger  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/dealing-with-angry-child/

For all emotional needs there are three steps you can take to help your child

Talking

When the immediate behaviours caused by anxiety and anger have calmed take time to talk to your child about what their anxieties are and how you can help them

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• At the moment there is understandable anxiety from everyone about the coronavirus.
• We have included a sheet from our school educational psychologist with hints and tips how to talk to your child about the current situation. 
• There is also a social story that has been shared by both our speech and language therapist and the Cornwall Autism Team

Routine

Everyone’s routines have been and will be disrupted by the current situation.  We believe that it will help children with emotional needs if you put a  new routine in place for your circumstances.

• The routine you put in place does not have to be minute by minute and does not need to replicate the school day in anyway.
• It may be worth asking your children what parts of the school school day they do get comfort from and talk with them how you can do something similar at home
• We suggest it includes family time, exercise, mindfulness as well as the practical get dressed, clean your teeth and wash your face.
• Routines do not have to be timetabled we have provided an example below the idea is you have tasks for the day and tick them off

Personal space

Personal space is something we all need, including our children.  At the moment it is important that we plan for  safe personal space in our homes, not just for the times when emotions are excessive.

If physical space is an issue: 

• designate a cushion, rug or even a corner where your child can go and no one will talk to them. 
• a designated activity such as colouring or lego building could be the time when your child has physical space.

routinelist

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