With so much change to our normal routines and so much uncertainty, naturally our children are going to be feeling anxious and unsafe. At this time our children are relying on us more than ever to make them feel safe.

One of the key ways that we can do this is through our relationships and connections. This just means spending time together completing an activity with your child where everyone is engaged. This then lets your child know that you are there for them and they are not alone, giving them a sense of safety. This is because completing activities together releases feel good chemicals that make your child feel calm, steady and connected.

This will not only help in the short term but also the long term when normality resumes. Spending quality time with your child when they need it most, tells your child that they are worthy of your help and that they are special and important. This then increases their self-esteem and self confidence in a time when everything happening around us could impact on it.

This page will try to help you and your family at this difficult time. We hope to give you support and guidance and sign post you to other agencies if you need them.

What is anxiety?                          Helping to cope with stress

Managing emotional outbursts    Zones of regulation

Building resilience                       Loss and bereavement

Why not try out this 'Coping Calendar' which is packed full of actions to help look after ourselves and others:

In school, all of our staff support children with their mental health through specific PSHE lessons and activities such as daily wellbeing check-ins and communal lunch times. In addition to this, we have a trained ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) who works with individuals and groups when needed. In school, we also have a designated Mental Health Lead to support both children and staff.

For an informative listen regarding your child as they approach their teenage years please watch Nicola Morgan - The Teenage Brain .