Supporting Young Children During the Pandemic
Supporting Young Children During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a huge amount of anxiety in young children. An Australian survey indicates that as many as 10% of kids may need specialised mental health support and that 25% of children are experiencing higher than average levels of anxiety symptoms.
In Australian-first research, a state government has set out to understand:
- the different types of experiences young children and families are having
- how young children are coping with the many social and lifestyle changes
- how caregivers are coping and supporting their children during this time
The survey questions related to family life and relationships, health and wellbeing, parenting, psychological symptoms, and how people were coping during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questions covered a lot of areas so they could get a good idea of how things were for participating families at each point in time.
You can read the findings of the COVID-19 Unmasked survey under the ‘What we’ve learned so far’ tab (noting that the survey is currently inactive).
The Queensland Government has put together a tips and useful links resource for early educators, which offers useful information for educators no matter where they are located. The COVID-19 Unmasked Resources tab provides links to a range of resources and fact sheets, including:
Remember, babies and young children communicate through their behaviour
Signs your child may need more support:
Sadness
Sleeping problems
Increased clinginess or separation anxiety
Emotional outbursts or temper tantrums
Going backwards in previously developed skills
New or increased fears and worries
Young children THRIVE with a caregiving relationship that is warm, responsive and supportive
It’s important to:
NOTICE
the signs and respond with warmth and affection
TALK
honestly with your child but keep it brief and focused on facts
MAINTAIN
routines and clear boundaries to help your child feel safe
PLAY
and do activities outside the home regularly
TAKE CARE
of your own wellbeing and seek help when needed
MINIMISE
media exposure and adult discussion around worries
Contact your GP, mental health professional or children’s health service for more information and support.
The CareForKids article "The impact of COVID-19 on young children and what you can do"
The Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service's "COVID-19 Unmasked"