As a therapist and a mental health consultant, I encourage my clients and friends to keep their social ties even during social distancing. This does not mean hanging out with friends at a restaurant. It means, reaching out to friends near and far.

This goes the same for your child. Give time and space for their social lives at this delicate time.

  • Allow and encourage them to have video chat with their peers. They could share stories, what they learn, or simply showing each other what their home life is like.

  • Set up online play time with other families. For older kids, this could possibly be playing online game with friends at a set time.

  • Do things together. Involve them when you cook, clean and exercise. Let them lead and direct.

  • Encourage your child to have their own space (especially when you are also working from home) as well as space for family time. Family time could look like reading a story together, playing board games, a cuddle party.

*Key take away - Your child’s social life is essential to their overall mental health.