6 WAYS TO SUPPORT CHILDREN'S EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT DURING STRESSFUL TIMES

 


Ideas from Alannah Teed – College ECE Teacher

As educators we know how important emotional development is to children and how early experiences are a good indicator of their mental health later in life. As contributors to the early experiences we strive to ensure that children are engaged in positive and strength building experiences.

We also know that children react to stressful events in a different way than adults and that they are far more tuned into stress in others and their environment.  We may see changes to children’s normal behaviour as they return to us in our classrooms. 

There may be more expressions of frustration or anger, on the other hand we might see children being less engaged and reserved.  How do we help these children and keep the 2m distance?  Do we need to think outside the box or is our box already full of resources? Let’s look at the basics.

1.       Make time for each and every child, every day.  Spend quality time playing or doing something that the child loves to do. This is something that we tried to do in our everyday, however now more than ever it is crucial.

2.       Write something to each child for each morning arrival.  A special message doesn’t have to be long, just a few words or a picture of them and you.

3.       Have a special welcome – be it a song or a distanced handshake, hand symbol or wink – make sure everyone’s is different, unique to them.

4.       Develop and special way of communicating with each other that is a “special language” between the two of you.

5.       Hugs are off the table these days, so those children who are sad or injured are going to be a challenge to support – For older children, building resiliency and self-care with support will be key – breathing support, talking it through and using the pre-established positive and supportive relationships – trust, to help reassure the child.  They will know you care and are there for them the best way you can be.

6.       Open up the lines of communication - https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/fact-sheet/parents_guide-helping_children_cope_with_covid-19_pandemic-final_version_386421_284_28977_v1.pdf provides a great resources for starting discussion without forcing the issue.  Maybe children simply need an outlet that is a good listener – someone they trust and can confide in. Make sure not to start with the stressor but lead in with open ended statements or questions that can be a bridge to the topic if the child chooses.

You know the children best.  True in a little more and do the little things that make all the difference.  Providing children with this safe haven away from the stress that surrounds them might just be the critical component that they need. 

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Want more information on how to become a mindful ECE?  Download the The Mindful ECE Resource Collection.



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