Emotional Wellbeing during the Coronavirus Pandemic
This is a diffcult time for everyone including children. On this page we have gathered resources to support children's emotional well being and the key advice from the Government and Cornwall Council .
The World Health Organisation Advice is that you should discuss COVID-19 with your children in an honest and age appropriate way and we have also included some resources to support this
World Health Organisation Advice
18. Help children find positive ways to express feelings such as fear and sadness.
Every child has their own way to express emotions. Sometimes engaging in a creative activity, such as playing, and drawing can facilitate this process. Children feel relieved if they can express and communicate their feelings in a safe and supportive environment.
19. Keep children close to their parents and family, if considered safe for the child, and avoid separating children and their caregivers as much as possible. If a child needs to be separated from their primary caregiver, ensure that appropriate alternative care is provided and that a social worker, or equivalent, will regularly follow up on the child. Further, ensure that during periods of separation, regular contact with parents and caregivers is maintained, such as twice-daily scheduled phone or video calls or other age-appropriate communication (e.g., social media depending on the age of the child).
20. Maintain familiar routines in daily life as much as possible, or create new routines, especially if children must stay at home. Provide engaging age appropriate activities for children, including activities for their learning. As much as possible, encourage children to continue to play and socialize with others, even if only within the family when advised to restrict social contract.
21. During times of stress and crisis, it is common for children to seek more attachment and be more demanding on parents. Discuss COVID-19 with your children using honest and ageappropriate way. If your children have concerns, addressing those together may ease their anxiety. Children will observe adults’ behaviors and emotions for cues on how to manage their own emotions during difficult times.
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World Health Organisation- mental-health-considerations | [pdf 627KB] |  |
Every Mind Matters
Government Advice on Children's Mental Health and Well Being during the Coronavirus Outbreak
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COVID-19: guidance on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing |
| Government Publication |
Coronavirus Books for Children
Reassuring but honest online books suitable for children in our school . We have included both so you can choose the one to suit your child.
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Dave the Dog A Coronavirus Story | [pdf 7MB] | |
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Cornonavirus book illustrated by Axel Scheffler | [pdf 7MB] | |
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Coronavirus-A-Book-for-Children | [pdf 7MB] | |
| This book is a simple social story | |||
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Covid 19 Information for Children | [pdf 1MB] | |
The Reading Agency have teamed up with Libraries Connected and ASCEL to produce a book collection to help children stay safe, calm, connected and hopeful during the pandemic.
Many of these books can be ordered and borrowed from Torpoint Library
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Covid children s booklist | [pdf 1MB] | |
Children's Commissioner - Guide to Coronavirus
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cco-childrens-guide-to-coronavirus | [pdf 1MB] | |
Unicef Advice
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Unicef Advice for Families |
| lots of emotional and physical health tips and a story for children |