At last week’s employee wellbeing forum, we heard from Dr David Moseley, ELMHS Psychology Discipline Senior, Department of Psychology at Monash Health, who shared some valuable strategies and services to help children and young people during this time.
In his presentation, Dr Moseley said that while COVID-19 has seen significant challenges for young people and families, parents can be reassured that they are resilient, adaptive and will show great progress as lockdowns end.
“Human beings are adaptive, and we have growth spurts. Where our growth gets stuck, including due to a pandemic, we manage to catch up in surprising ways.
“We will see children and young adults over the next couple of years, engaging and making the most of their youth as they have had a significant loss, then allowing them to settle in and prepare for the next phases of their lives.”
Strategies for supporting children and adolescents
Help create a daily routine
Children and young adults benefit from routine and things have been constantly changing. Try not to put too much pressure on creating a strict schedule but instead listen to and observe your children’s behaviour and support them to form a routine around school, social activities and family.
Help build their support system
Encourage your children to schedule virtual catchups with friends to help with schoolwork, have a social chat or open up about how they are feeling. Organise times for them to reach out to extended family through video calls and over the phone.
Let them know you are available
Your children may be worried about you and your work, talking to them about what you do to stay safe can be a great way to provide them with comfort. Let your children know they can talk to you, even if you appear busy and reassure them that you will get through this together.
Focus on key priorities
Try not to put too much pressure on your children and focus on what they need. Focus on short-term goals and what is in their control. Encouraging them to keep up with their requirements and assessments for school where possible, but also allow them to take a break and slow down when they need it.
Be honest and share information
Be honest with your children and share clear information with them. Help them acknowledge and normalise uncertainty by validating their feelings of being sad, angry, or worried. Encourage them to see the bigger picture and share positive stories of what is being done to get through this.
Create time for fun and enjoyment
Find interesting and fun things to do at home that involve the whole family. Incorporate moments for play and active movement by getting your children involved in cooking, gardening and laughing together. Also include moments for calming and mindful activities like reading, drawing or yoga.
You can watch Dr Moseley’s full presentation here and view his presentation slides here.
If you or someone you are concerned about needs someone to talk to, please reach out through the Employee Assistance Program on 1300 687 327 and one of their specialist counsellors will be in touch. Additionally, please reach out to your support networks including your family, friends, colleagues and school community.
For additional resources and advice on health and wellbeing, please visit the Monash Health COVID-19 employee website and keep an eye out for upcoming wellbeing forums, which will be held every Thursday.
Approved by Karen Lowe.