1. Focus on your own thoughts and behaviours – Reframe and think of the positive. When talking to children say ‘keep your hands to yourself’ rather that ‘stop fighting’.
2. Remember the big picture – Take each day or minute at a time.
3. Be aware of negative news stories and it’s imapct on you – listen to music (take it in turns to choose favourites) and dance around the kitchen! 
4. Let wisdom and logic guide you – think ‘what is most probable’ – not ‘what is the worst outcome!’
5. Check reputable sources for news – NHS, BBC, GOV.Uk etc (not everything you read online or social media).
6. Control how often you check the news – and be aware of little ears (even if they don’t look like they are listening – they are!) It’s tempting to keep the news on the radio or TV all day but it is not healthy, choose other stations or turn it off
7. Model peaceful behaviour – Stop, think, act, Count to 10, keep your voice low, Try meditating – Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7 and breathe out for 8.
8. Evaluate your own health behaviours – say sorry – we are all human and not perfect (and you can model that to your children too), take breaks, if you are working at home have set start and stop times and clear away work things so you and the children can’t see them, Exercise and get fresh air several times a day, keep sugar to a minimum.
9. Feeling isolated – Try digital connections but remember to also talk to others – Facetime, Skype or talk on the telephone (not just text, Facebook or WhatsApp).
10. Don’t let fear influence your decisions – if you are worried talk to other adults.

11. Separate the children’s toys and only put a few out at one time so they don’t get bored (for little ones you could store half away until next week and alternate).

You may also be interested in: 

How to support my child at home

and

Top Tips to Keep calm with the children at home 

and

Video top tips for positive behaviour 

and 

Top Tips for helping with school closures 

and 

How to talk to your children about Covid 19 

and 

Emergency Contact Numbers 

and

https://www.sharingparenting.com/2019/08/15/a-to-z-of-parenting/

You can contact us or email us with your parenting questions at info@sharingparenting.com and give us a call for confidential advice on 07867 568339.