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Weather the Storm - Canadian International School in Bangalore

Weather the Storm

The COVID-19 is on all our minds and we cannot deny how it has disrupted our routines. This disruption is not affecting just our students or families but it is also affecting the larger community that we live in. Anxiety is a normal, productive and valuable emotional response to the perception of threat. It is important to remember our children are looking towards us for reassurance and cues on how to react and respond. An emotional response is normal. If we ask ourselves and our children not to respond emotionally, it is impossible.

With our weekly newsletter what we are trying to address is: Recognizing and working to address our own anxiety/fear and helping our children to do the same.

Five strategies to build resilience, and have reassuring conversations with kids are:

  1. Anxiety is normal: It’s OK to show anxiety or fear, your child will pick up on this and also learn that this is a normal response. Changes to the environment and routines can create unease. Having calm, panic-free discussions can ease emotions around these changes. Check-in on how your child is feeling and acknowledge and address their worries rather than ignore them. Keep in mind it’s OK to say ‘I don’t know’.
     
  2. Stick to the facts: It is important to have thoughtful conversations regarding the COVID-19 to distill anxiety, worry or fear. Consider your child’s age, processing, and emotions to determine how to frame these conversations to ensure your child understands. Check-in on what your child is thinking and address their worries. Discuss that not everything they hear or see is real. It can also be comforting to be reminded that doctors around the world are looking for ways to address the COVID-19 and highlight positive news as well (eg. 15 people have recovered and been discharged in Singapore).
     
  3. Consider media consumption: When looking online, consider the source and fact-check to prevent fake news, and think before you share. Be mindful of how much media you are checking and minimize how often you are reading stories. Try to keep a healthy balance (both online and offline) in your daily routines and lifestyle.
     
  4. Eliminate stigma: It is important to be aware of how the COVID-19 is explained to your children to avoid any person/group being blamed. Also to communicate that if someone has a fever or cough does not mean this person has the COVID-19.
     
  5. Strategies: It is possible to look at anxiety as a guide rather than a threat. Coping strategies can include; Any activity or interest such as singing, dancing, reading, drawing, music, Netflix/movies, creating a gratitude list, meditation, yoga, coloring, exercise, cooking/baking, talking to a friend or family member via social media, or doing other activities that are fun or give you joy and make you feel good. If you notice your child is still worried or anxious, be assured that this is a normal reaction, and continue conversations and provide care for your child. If you find that additional support is needed, please reach out to one of us counselors via email who can refer you to outside counseling or to schedule time via Hangouts or Zoom with you or your child, to make a plan on how to support them during this time.
     

Warm regards,
The Counseling Team.

Ashwini K .R. – Elementary School | Manisha Ninan – Middle and High School | Tanusree Durairaj – Boarding Counselor. For more information visit our website or for admissions, visit our admissions page.