Hey kids its ANFI here again! Last time we chatted about how this situation with Coronavirus may be causing our brain’s alarm system to switch on, and that this might cause us to experience some big feelings of worry, sadness and maybe even fear.
We looked at the fact that “We are not alone in these feelings”. For today let’s watch this video together, and learn more about how our body’s alarm system works. This video by Carolyn Seri might help us understand what happens to our brain and body when we feel scared.
Anxiety Management for kids
As we have learnt today, our brain’s alarm system is designed to keep us safe, however it might be so good at doing that sometimes it responds when were are not in actual danger. Over the last couple of months, our brain might have started to see the outside world as scary and dangerous because of Coronavirus. Soon we will be asked to return to our schools, and go back into the world outside of our home. Our brain might need to take some time to adjust at not sending our body into a fight, flight or freeze response. Until then, like Dilly showed us in the video, it’s important to pay attention to what we are feeling, and how much we are feeling it. It’s also important that we share this with the safe adults in your life.
Let's all do an art activity together today:
1- Title: Safe Adults
2- Materials needed: white paper and colouring in pencils. (Optional: Craft decorations)
3- Activity:
- On the top of the page, write (or get some help to) ‘My Safe Adults’
- In the middle of the page, trace your hand print
- On each finger, write a name or draw a picture of the safe adult that you have in your life. We want to try and find some safe adults at your home, school, and other places you often go to. If you don’t have anyone outside your home that is okay too! If you are feeling that there is no safe adults to talk to at home, you can call Kids Help Line on 1800 55 1800 or visit their website and chat to professional counsellors that are be able to hear you out.
