During Lockdown it is really important for children and adults to maintain social interaction with family and friends while still abiding by physical distancing requirements.

Many introverted or sensitive children will be relishing the opportunity to cocoon at home, to spend more time on their own, or with their immediate family. But for kids who are very reliant on their friends, only children, and the extrovert, social types, lockdown is hard work.

With all the normal ways of playing and spending time with friends off-limits right now, we need ways for kids to stay connected.

As well as helping build friendships in normal times, the sharing of contact details to make these social connections is an important part of families supporting their children socially, as well as preparing for a Lockdown.

Use Technology
Call, text, video chat - Messenger, Google Meet/ Hangout, Skype and FaceTime friends and family. Maybe there is an online game they like to play, like Minecraft where they can interact with their friends.  Remember with any screen time / internet use you should;

• Set a time limit
• Use it in a communal space
• Be aware of 'who and what'
• Check out cyber safety tips for parents

Instead of just chatting, make your time together more exciting by playing games, sharing what you've been doing, or giving a tour of your house or garden. 

Non Technology

In your neighbourhood everyone seems to have done the Teddybear in the window, so try mixing it up with;

• pavement chalk messages
• treasure hunts
• fun posters or signs for your fence
• painted rocks - with messages
• written letters into letter boxes (any older folk living by themselves?)