Let's think about how to help our young children understand and adapt to the changes of sheltering in place and virtual learning. Young children can experience really big feelings. Children thrive on structure and knowing what comes next. Fear, anger and sadness abound in our children, yet they may not have the vocabulary or awareness to express what they are feeling. They imagine all sorts of reasons for what they see as different now. Many will feel overwhelmed and grieve the changes, and fear what will happen in the future. Teaching children about feelings, changes and adjusting is key to supporting our children during this time.
Below is a list of stories that address changes and the feelings associated with them. Read them to and with your child to open up conversations about how they feel and what they understand about the current situation.
A Color of his own accepts that things are always changing and that can be exhausting, but it helps to pay attention to what stays the same (like a good friend or family member by your side).
Bad bye, Good bye shows how a change that seems sad and scary at first leads to interesting discoveries and new possibilities. It’s written for kids going through the adjustment of moving homes, but it works on a metaphorical level, too.
The Rabbit Listened helps kids see there is no one right way to feel when things suddenly change.
Breathe Like A Bear is full of quick and easy calming exercises to help kids (and adults) when we are spiraling with fear, anxiety, and all those other big emotions. There are enough of these to try out new one each day and kids can feel a sense of control by practicing their favorites. My 5-year-old uses these to come down from temper tantrums and even through excruciating midnight growing pains.