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The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has brought great changes to our everyday lives. In Singapore, we have been under a partial lockdown named Circuit Breaker since 7 April 2020, and it has recently been extended till 1 June 2020. Children’s well-being may be at risk due to the changes in routine, and children with special needs may find things especially challenging. Are you worried about how you can protect your child's mental health? In this first blog post, I thought it would be timely to share some tips and resources on how you can help your child cope while staying home during this Circuit Breaker period.
1. Find out what your child is feeling. You child may be feeling anxious, confused, depressed, and stressed. Such emotions may hurt your child's mental health and well-being. Help your child label his/her emotions, identify the reasons for these emotions, and discuss how to manage these emotions. Reassure your child that he/she is safe and protected.
2. Be open and honest. Your child's imagination may run wild if he/she does not understand the situation. Share accurate but age-appropriate information about the Coronavirus, what your child can expect, and how your child can protect himself from the virus.
3. Establish a routine. Implementing a sense of structure and normalcy is important during this period. Involve your child in planning his/her daily schedule and adjusting his/her physical environment to create conducive circumstances in which your child can complete necessary tasks. Include enriching activities and fun leisure time too.
Are you unsure how to start talking to your child about COVID-19 and the Circuit Breaker? Fret not! I have compiled a list of free ebooks and activity books, social stories, visual schedules, and augmentative and alternative communication boards which can help you spark meaningful conversations with your child about COVID-19 and the Circuit Breaker. You can use these resources to talk to your child about his/her emotions, explain medical terms and scientific facts, as well as review precautionary measures such as the need to stay home and maintain good hygiene. Click the links to download the resources for free!
Ebooks produced in Singapore with a local context:
"COVID-19 for kids" (age 5-6) by Catherine Cheung and Elvin Too
“Covid-19: A child’s voice” (age 5-6) by My First Skool
“A new virus has arrived” (age 5-6) on COVID-19 with activity sheets by EtonHouse Community Fund
“The language of kindness” (age 5-6) on healthcare heroes with activity sheets by EtonHouse Community Fund
"Super sleuths" (age 5-6) on contract tracing by EtonHouse Community Fund
"Wagga learns about COVID-19" (age 5-6) by KK Women's and Children's Hospital
"Wagga stays at home" (age 5-6) by KK Women's and Children's Hospital
Ebooks produced overseas:
"King COVID and the kids who cared" (age 4-9) by Nicole Rim
“COVIBOOK” (age 5-6) by MindHeart
"Dave the dog is worried about the Coronavirus" (age 5-6) by Nurse Dotty Books
“The inside book” (age 5-6) by Matthew Griffiths
“Why we stay home: Suzie learns about Coronavirus” (age 5-6) by Samantha Harris and Devon Scott
“Learn about the Coronavirus colouring book” (age 5-9) and “Learn about the Coronavirus activity book” (age 10-1) by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
“Coronavirus: A book for children” (age 5-9) by Nosy Crow
“My hero is you: How kids can fight COVID-19” (age 6-11) by Inter-Agency Standing Committee Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings
"Hope, where are you?" (age 6-11) by The LEGO Foundation (Read aloud by me in this YouTube playlist)
Social stories for children with special needs:
Social stories with symbol support on COVID-19, how to stop COVID-19, school closure, and school opening by London Grid for Learning
Social stories with symbol support on COVID-19, washing hands, school closure, distance learning, being flexible, loved ones being sick, and oneself being sick by Breezy Special Ed
Social story with pictures on COVID-19 by Easterseals
Social story with pictures on social distancing by Easterseals
Social story with pictures on COVID-19 by Noodle Nook
Social story with pictures on COVID-19 by The Autism Educator
Social story with pictures on COVID-19 by Socially Skilled Kids
Social story with pictures on social distancing by Socially Skilled Kids
Social story with pictures on COVID-19 for young children by Teaching Sensory Explorers
Social story with pictures on COVID-19 for older children by Teaching Sensory Explorers
Social story with pictures on quarantine by Teaching Sensory Explorers
Social story with photos on COVID-19 by Spiffy Speech
Social stories with photos and videos of locals by Superhero Me
Visual schedules for children with special needs:
Home-based learning visual schedules and token board by Easterseals
Home-based learning visual schedules by Superhero Me
Home-based learning visual cue cards on appropriate behaviour while video conferencing by Socially Skilled Kids
Hand washing visual schedule and basic communication board by Autism Speech Talkies
Hand washing visual schedule and sequencing activities by Adaptation Station
Hand washing visual schedule, skills data sheet, and certificate of completion by Simply Special Ed
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) boards for children with special needs:
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) board for talking to children about COVID-19 by Two Way Street
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) board for medical communication with COVID-19 patients by Patient Provider Communication
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) board for medical communication with COVID-19 patients by AAC Community
While the Circuit Breaker is a challenging time for all of us, I hope this post can assist you in promoting your child's well-being. Don't forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe for more tips and free resources in future blog posts. In the meantime, stay home and stay safe!
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