Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-being During The Pandemic

Picture courtesy: Divya Badami Rao

The Covid-19 pandemic has come with many challenges to children’s emotional well-being. Change in their schedules, less interaction with their friends, an increased isolation and so much more. This is a list of resources which may come in handy for parents and care givers to support and open conversations with their children.

  1. My Hero is You should be read by a parent, caregiver or teacher alongside a child or a small group of children. The book was developed by children and for children to encourage them to reflect on the pandemic in a way that is supportive and not overwhelming. Download your copy here.
  1. Jugaad is a beautifully illustrated story by Narrative Therapy India of how children are taking care of themselves and their mental health. It reminds us of the small and big ways in which children respond and our experts of their own lives. Providing our children with insights on how to handle the ups and downs during this pandemic.
  1. The Invisible String written by Patrice Karst and illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff is a wonderful way to explore how friendships and relationships in times of social distancing connect us and bring us together. The invisible link in times of distance.
  1. You could also use Ruby’s Worry by Tom Percival as an opening to discuss the worries in your child’s mind during this time. Sharing is the best way to reduce those worries, is the lesson Ruby reminds us of.
  2. This is a wonderful list of resources to help children’s emotional well-being during the pandemic. It has resources within it on improving child directed play, on slowing down, mindfulness and much more. A support guide for parenting while travelling these unknown waters.

You can also listen to our podcast episode ‘ Children & the New Normal‘ for a detailed conversation with children and their parents on how they feel about and are coping with the current circumstances.