It is so important to remember that children and young people will look to adults for guidance on how to react to stressful events. If parents seem overly worried, children’s anxiety may rise.

Children will need factual, age appropriate information about the potential seriousness of risk and concrete instruction about how to avoid infections and spread of the virus. Teaching children positive preventive measures, talking with them about their fears, and giving them a sense of some control over their risk of infection can help reduce anxiety. We have included links to some useful information below and would also recommend this advice from ITV’s Dr Ranj click here

Helping Anxious Youngsters

• Big Life Kids podcast helps kids develop a growth mindset!
• 40 Activities and tips to help an anxious child
• Therapist and child approved activities to help with anxiety
• Managing anxiety tips from the charity Young Minds - an organisation fighting for young people's mental health
• My name is Coronavirus by Manuela Molina
• 3/2/1- A Grounding Technique, is a technique that can help reduce anxiety or anger before or after a difficult situation 
• Safe Situation – grounding technique, is a technique which you can learn to quickly draw upon during difficult and distressing times

Coronavirus Specific Advice

• How to respond to the Coronavirus when it impacts your family.
• Young Minds - What to do if you are anxious about Coronavirus 
• Looking after your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak
• Mind Charity - Coronavirus and your wellbeing
• Your Mind Matters: Coronavirus and Your Wellbeing