We'd like to share some information and resources to support your wellbeing at this time. Remember, be kind to yourself and others.

The importance of routines

One thing that we know is very helpful in times of challenge is to maintain a routine. You will understand the importance of routine for your family. If your routine has been shaken up, like you’re now working from home, it’s good to structure your time. Routines are reassuring, and promote health and physical wellbeing. The Ministry of Education has helpfully provided the below sample timetable (targeted at children) as something your household might find useful to adapt for your own use over the next weeks. A school holiday version will likely look a little different, but some form of routine will still be important as we go through the lockdown period.

Daily Schedule

Before 9:00am

Wake up

Eat breakfast, make your bed, get dressed, put any dirty clothes in the laundry

9:00-10:00

Morning walk

Family walk with the dog, bike ride,

Indoor exercise if it’s raining

10:00-11:00

Learning at home

School-led learning or Sudoku, books, flash cards, study guide, journal etc

11:00-12:00

Creative time

Legos, magnatiles, drawing, crafting, play music, cook or bake etc.

12:00 pm

Lunch :)

12:30

Helping at home

# wipe all kitchen tables and chairs

# wipe all door handles, light switches and desktops

# wipe both bathrooms - sinks and toilets

1:00-2:30

Quiet time

Reading, puzzles, nap, radio, stories

2:30-4:00

Learning at home

School-led learning or iPad games, online learning websites, educational video or tv show

4:00-5:00

Afternoon fresh air

Bikes, walk the dog, play outside

5:00-6:00

Dinner :)

6:00-8:00

Free TV time

Kids shower time

8:00

Bedtime

All kids

9:00pm

Bedtime

All kids who follow the daily schedule & don’t fight

*Adapted from a resource developed by Jessica McHale Photography

Other Wellbeing Links

There are links below to more wellbeing information to support your family during the lockdown.

The Ministry of Education has information focused on wellbeing and supporting a child’s learning at home for parents, caregivers and whānau. This resource adds to the information we have previously provided supporting conversations with children about COVID-19 - http://education.govt.nz/school/health-safety-and-wellbeing/pastoral-care-and-wellbeing/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-coronavirus/.

Further information to support wellbeing
The Ministry of Health’s website includes Top ways to look after your mental wellbeing during the Covid-19 lockdown.

https://www.iamhope.org.nz/ - I AM HOPE is the youth and community focused support group run by The Key to Life Charitable Trust, started by Mike King.

https://www.facebook.com/nathanwallisxfactoreducation/ - Nathan Wallis has some helpful videos on his Facebook page for parents and whānau

https://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/get-help/covid-19/ - tips on looking after mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19 from the Mental Health Foundation

https://depression.org.nz/covid-19/ - a website by the Health Promotion Agency to help New Zealanders recognise and understand depression and anxiety. `

25 Mental Health Wellness Tips during Quarantine from Eileen M Feliciano, Psy.D. – although overseas-based this is a good list and highlights some things particularly important for children. Remember the rules of New Zealand’s level 4 lockdown still apply.

The Ministry of Education will continue to add more resources to their website. This week they're developing tip sheets to support parents to navigate common challenges they may have with toddlers, children and young people through this time – for example, a tip sheet on getting a good night’s sleep. 

Anxiety About COVID-19

Starship Kids Health have just published a KidsHealth page on 'Coping With Worry & Anxiety About COVID-19' https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/coping-worry-anxiety-about-covid-19.