COVID has had a devastating impact on all of our lives. Children although unlikely to get seriously ill with Covid have still been the victims of this virus. With mental health issues arising more than ever before. So what can you do as a parent?
Listen before you talk
Children want to be heard. They want to be understood. If we rush in to give our opinions they won’t feel any of those things. So, when asking your children how they feel, wait in the silence. Don’t elaborate on your question trying to avoid sitting in silence. Just nod and show them that you are listening, and slowly your child will learn to talk and they’ll continue to tell you more.
Teach your kids the “language of feelings”
One of the most important things you can teach your children is to recognise what they are feeling and to express their feelings in words. Help your children grow by teaching the many words for different emotions, and using examples when those feelings arise in themselves and others.
If your children are young, try using a feelings wheel. It’s what I use in my clinic to talk with young children about how they feel. Having a visual guide in front of them helps them to express how they are feeling and helps us to talk more openly.
Find ways of helping your child express themselves
Talking isn't the only way to help a child express themselves. Activities such as reading, writing, drawing or listening to music can help a child connect with how they are feeling on the side.
Ask for help
If you are struggling to help your child remember that it's not a weakness to ask for help. We are here to help.
At Cotswolds Counselling we offer counselling for children both online and in person. Our clinic is conveniently located between Cirencester (25mins) and Tetbury (10mins). Please feel free to contact us here.
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