The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting everyone, some more drastically than others. For a number of families, it could mean making big changes in everyday routines due to financial hardships. For other families, it could mean raised anxiety in children, the tension in parenting relationships or general fear. Finding the “new normal” can be challenging as schools and daycares are closed with an end to this phase still unknown.

As so many families are experiencing new challenges due to the COVID-19 crisis, you may be concerned about the physical and emotional wellbeing and safety of your children. It’s also very important to look after yourself as a parent. There is an on-going international study regarding the effects of COVID-s19 on families. You can take the 30-minutes survey to share how the pandemic has affected your family.

What Laws and Guidelines Do I Need to Follow?

Laws and guidelines can change quickly, so it is a good idea to check for up-to-date information.

The Australian Government Department of Health has national coronavirus health alerts and information about laws and guidelines that must be followed. You can also call the national hotline on 1800 020 080. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Parenting During COVID-19

As parents, we ourselves may be feeling a range of uncomfortable feelings (including anxiety, anger, sadness); as well as uncertainty about what to do and how we can cope. These feelings are entirely reasonable and normal. It is important to remember (and to remind children) that communities are working together to keep people safe (e.g. healthcare workers who are looking after people with the virus; supermarkets bringing in new rules to allow more vulnerable people to do their shopping safely). This guide helps parents to support their children and look after themselves during this difficult time.

Reassure Your Child That Your Family is Your TOP Priority

In all conversations with your child, stay as calm and comforting as possible. Explain to your child that they should tell you if they are feeling unwell. Make sure that your child knows — through your actions and your words — that it is part of your job as their parent to do everything within your power to keep them safe and that this is exactly what you are doing. For example, say I’m your parent, it’s my job to keep you safe and we are doing everything we can. This will help them to feel safer and, for older children, to better understand why you must observe the restrictions being placed on all families by government authorities (e.g. not going to the local park and keeping them away from social gatherings with friends).

Take Care of Yourself the Best You Can During COVID-19

It is entirely reasonable to feel anxious, distressed, confused and angry at times during the current situation. Dealing with your own emotions effectively means that you are better placed to support your children. In dealing effectively with your own emotions, you are also setting an excellent example for your child. Some useful general strategies for dealing with big, uncomfortable emotions include:

• paying attention to your emotions and your thoughts
• taking a break from interacting with family members if you are not in control of your emotions (e.g. you might say I’m feeling upset at the moment and I can’t be as calm as I would like in this conversation. So I’m going to sit in my bedroom and read for 10 minutes to give myself a chance to settle down
• talking to supportive friends and family
• deep breathing
• exercise
• practising mindfulness

At What Point During COVID-19 Should Parents Seek Professional Help?

Children who are preoccupied with questions or concerns about the coronavirus outbreak and are experiencing significant distress should be evaluated.

Other signs that a child or adolescent should be evaluated include the persistence of COVID-19 related fears after the pandemic has been resolved, ongoing sleep disturbances, difficultly in controlling fears about illness or death and being unable to be away from his or her parents (as an adolescent).

During this uncertain times, if you need a family lawyer to help with any legal issues during COVID-19, Jeffrey is available by mobile phone. Please call him on 0419 233 670.

Contact JCL Legal now! We are a law firm that cares about your needs.

sources: legalaid.vic.gov.au, uchealth.com, triplep-parenting.net