Looking after your family’s emotional wellbeing

We know this is a difficult time for many families, and that you may be wondering what you can do to look after the emotional wellbeing of your family.

The good news is that there are lots of things you can do to boost the emotional wellbeing of your whole family at this time.

Most of the ideas don't cost anything and you can all start many of them right now.

We have collected together a range of resources to help support the wellbeing of you and your family at this time.

The family five ways to wellbeing

The five ways to wellbeing are simple things to do every day that can help us all to feel happier and more positive. We have produced a guide for you at this time. It includes lots of fun ideas like family wellbeing bingo! This is available to download.

A self-care kit for your child

The psychologists at Sheffield’s Children’s hospital have developed a self-care kit for you, with some great ideas such as making yourself a self-soothe box or writing your worries in a balloon and letting them go. This is available to download.

Sleep

Sleep problems can be a real concern for parents and perhaps more so as routines change. The NHS has a comprehensive webpage with some healthy sleep tips for children.

Talking about Coronavirus at home

We have provided some resources that may help you talk to your child about coronavirus and what we mean by ‘social distancing’.

The Children's Commissioner has developed a children’s guide to coronavirus.

Our colleagues at Derbyshire County Council have pulled together a number of booklets to help you talk to your child about the coronavirus, and also some for those children who are still attending school.

These are aimed at children aged 8 to 14 year olds, and younger children and are available to download. We have also developed a booklet for talking to younger children about coronavirus and staying at home.

Remember for teenagers this will probably feel a very challenging time, as they miss being able to go out with peers, and may have worries about schooling and exams.

For all children, continue to encourage whatever healthy routines you can and promote their friendships (perhaps offering them support to face time and speak with their friends if they are younger).

Staying safe online

If you are concerned about your child spending more time online, the NSPCC website has a lot of useful resources regarding keeping children safe online.