Support for Parents and Families.
In this section of the website we have included some information to help you discuss Covid -19 with your child, get some information and advice regarding online safety and digital safeguarding and signpost you to organisations who may be able to provide you with help and support during these challenging times.
|
Talking to children about Covid-19
Be calm and reassuringWhen discussing Covid 19 with your child try to remain calm and reassure them when you can. Its natural to feel worried but children often take cues from adults on how to feel about new situations so the calmer you can be the safer they will feel.
Discuss facts in an age appropriate wayTry to use language your child will understand and can relate to. Linking it to familiar situations where you can. make sure to remind children that they can stay safe by washing their hands and following social distancing but lots of very important people are working very hard so this is only for a short time. Be wary about having the news/radio on in the background or having adult conversations in front of children as often the language used in these can be confusing and worrying for young children. From around the age of P5 news shows such as newsround can be a useful resource for children
|
Be prepared to answer questions about their worriesIt is likely your child will have many questions and worries about the new coronavirus and the changes they are having to make to their lifestyles as a result of trying to flatten its curve. Some children may have even created some worrying or frightening scenarios based on these questions and concerns. When discussing questions and concerns with children remember to take their concerns seriously and treat them with respect no matter how unlikely they may seem - they are very real to your child. Try to answer questions as factually as you can using child friendly language and reassure your child where possible.
It's ok not to know all the answers.This is a very new and unique situation for us all so its absolutely ok for you not to have all the answers right now. If your child has a query or concern you can't answer be honest and say you don't know right now but you will try to find out for them as soon as you can.
|
Supporting Children’s mental health and anxieties
My happy mind have set up a free resource for parents with lots of child friendly activities to help address children’s worries and develop their self esteem. Www.myhappymind.org/lightedition
Helping to keep your child safe online
With schools currently closed and providing remote learning for pupils more children than ever will be accessing online resources and technology. The internet is a valuable and useful tool for many children and can greatly enhance learning in a variety of ways when used safely.
However with technology ever changing and the potential risk of sharing personal details or accessing inappropriate content many parents are rightly concerned about how to create a safe online space for children. |
Our top tips for promoting online safety
1. Discover the Internet together
Be the one to introduce your child to the internet. For both parent and child, it is an advantage to discover the internet together. Try to find websites that are exciting and fun so that together you achieve a positive attitude to internet exploration. This could make it easier to share both positive and negative experiences in the future.
2. Agree with your child rules for Internet use in your home
Try to reach an agreement with your child on the guidelines which apply to Internet use in your household.
· Discuss when and for how long it is acceptable for your child to use the Internet
A simple rule for younger children should be that the child should never give out their name, phone number or photo without your approval. Older children using social networking sites like Facebook should be encouraged to be selective about what personal information and photos they post to online spaces. Regardless of privacy settings, once material is online you can no longer control who sees it or how it is used.
4. Teach your child about evaluating information and being critically aware of information found online.
Most children use the internet to improve and develop their knowledge in relation to schoolwork and personal interests. Children should be aware that not all information
found online is correct, accurate or relevant. Show your child how to check information they find by comparing it to alternative sources on the same topic. Show them trusted sites they can use to compare information.
5. Let your children show you what they like to do online and get involved exploring online resources with them.
To be able to guide your child with regard to Internet use, it is important to understand how children use the Internet and know what they like to do online. Let your child show you which websites they like visiting and what they do there.
6. Remember that the positive aspects of the Internet outweigh the negatives.
The Internet is an excellent educational and recreational resource for children. Encourage your child to make the most of it and explore the internet to its full potential with your help, support and guidance.
For more information please visit
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
1. Discover the Internet together
Be the one to introduce your child to the internet. For both parent and child, it is an advantage to discover the internet together. Try to find websites that are exciting and fun so that together you achieve a positive attitude to internet exploration. This could make it easier to share both positive and negative experiences in the future.
2. Agree with your child rules for Internet use in your home
Try to reach an agreement with your child on the guidelines which apply to Internet use in your household.
· Discuss when and for how long it is acceptable for your child to use the Internet
- Agree how to treat personal information (name, address, telephone, e-mail)
- Discuss how to behave towards others when gaming, chatting, e-mailing or messaging
- Agree what type of sites and activities are OK or not OK in our family
- Follow the rules yourself when your child is present. Or at least explain why the rules are different for adults.
A simple rule for younger children should be that the child should never give out their name, phone number or photo without your approval. Older children using social networking sites like Facebook should be encouraged to be selective about what personal information and photos they post to online spaces. Regardless of privacy settings, once material is online you can no longer control who sees it or how it is used.
4. Teach your child about evaluating information and being critically aware of information found online.
Most children use the internet to improve and develop their knowledge in relation to schoolwork and personal interests. Children should be aware that not all information
found online is correct, accurate or relevant. Show your child how to check information they find by comparing it to alternative sources on the same topic. Show them trusted sites they can use to compare information.
5. Let your children show you what they like to do online and get involved exploring online resources with them.
To be able to guide your child with regard to Internet use, it is important to understand how children use the Internet and know what they like to do online. Let your child show you which websites they like visiting and what they do there.
6. Remember that the positive aspects of the Internet outweigh the negatives.
The Internet is an excellent educational and recreational resource for children. Encourage your child to make the most of it and explore the internet to its full potential with your help, support and guidance.
For more information please visit
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
Looking after your own mental health and well-being
Take 5 steps to wellbeing
Sometimes we need a little extra support to keep well, especially in new and uncertain time such as those we are facing at the moment due to Covid 19 . The Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Trusts have worked together with the Public Health Agency to create a new 5 step approach to promoting well-being and improving mental health. There are five simple steps to help maintain and improve your wellbeing. Try to build these into your daily life – think of them as your ‘five a day’ for wellbeing. For more support and information visit |
Organisations available to support parents and families
Parenting NI
Parenting NI offers support through advice, courses and groups. Their website features lot of helpful information and guides for parents. Support line 08088010722 – |
Parentline
Parentline is a parenting support hotline with advisers on call to talk through your worries and provide parents with help and support Support line 08088010722 |
Family Support NI
Family support NI has lots of useful information for parents on their website and can refer families to a wide range of support services to help meet their needs. |
Action For Children – Support service that provides support for parents and children on wide range of issues from emotional/ mental health, financial support and advice to childcare advice.
|
Womens Aid
Women's Aid can provide hands on confidential support for children and families affected by domestic abuse. 0808 802 1414 |