20 Jul 2021
Dear Parents,
Our names are Amye and Libby and we are the school counsellors working at Bonnyrigg High School. Like so many right now we are working from home during this lockdown. We know how hard this time can be for families, especially in the Fairfield region. We are hoping to add some additional tips for your child’s wellbeing as well as your own wellbeing during this lockdown.
A great resource we encourage you to use as a parent is Parent Line NSW:
- Their website has resources and tips - https://www.parentline.org.au/
- They provide free counselling available for all NSW parents of children aged 0-18 years from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 4pm to 9pm on weekends – ph number: 1300 1300 52
- You can follow them on Instagram and Facebook for tips such as their “5 ways with Parent Line NSW” series. We’re including two recent posts that might be useful:
- 5 Ways for busy parents and carers to maintain work/life balance during lockdown
- Establish regular routines and rituals to mark transitions e.g fresh air/exercise, dinner, bath, stories, bed etc
- If space permits create separate work/study spaces or use aids like a portable screen or throw to close off spaces when not in use
- Implement regular screen time breaks
- Use 'creative' opportunities for 'time out' e.g sitting in the car, walking the dog, hanging out the washing etc
- Lower your expectations of yourself and children, reward yourselves with healthy activities and occasional treats
- 5 Ways for busy parent to practice self care
- Listen to something calming like music, talking book, podcast
- Get up before the kids to do something for you
- Go to bed at the same time as the kids
- Have a relaxing bath or shower
- Practice brief grounding exercises like 3 senses ... "What can I see, hear, feel?
If you are finding that circumstances are particularly difficult and you need extra support, you may like to consider Family Connect and Support (formally known as Family Referral Service). FCS can connect you to local services that can help with:
- Understanding and managing your child’s behaviour.
- Budgeting and money matters.
- Alcohol, drug or gambling problems.
- Access to housing, health care or other community and government services.
- Building strong family relationships.
- Keeping everyone safe at home.
These are just some of the things that FCS can help with.
For more information go to https://www.familyconnectsupport.dcj.nsw.gov.au/families
If you would like further information please take a look at these other links that can help
https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/covid-19-parenting-tips#10
https://www.unicef.org/media/67211/file
We hope you find this helpful and that you can all stay as safe and well as possible during this time.
Amye Pagett and Libby Ahearn, School Psychologist/Counsellor, Bonnyrigg High School