Yesterday evening my 11yo had a complete wobble over isolating & the uncertainty over school& #39;s opening (yes that& #39;s how much he loves his school & friends/teachers/staff). Sobbing w/o knowing why (I knew y). So we did an exercise that cld help others too, which carried into today:

3 pieces paper each.

Write one of following headings on each one:

1. What has changed for me (this opened the flood gates)
2. What am I looking fwd to when lockdown re opens (this brought laughter & smiles & hope).
3. What we& #39;re doing now that& #39;s brilliant & what else can we do

The language is really important. So not "when lockdown is over" or "when lockdown finishes", using "re opens" helps to visualise the future positively. The aim is to cultivate hopefulness.

Then, look at
1: & explain that no one had any control over this. Everyone is in the same situation and we all have to just wait.

2: How exciting to be able to imagine whatever we want to do.

3: We& #39;re now able to do stuff that we weren& #39;t able to b4 bcos of school.

Pick up on key words used in number 1. My 11yo showed a pattern of really missing sch. "No uniform" "No school clubs" "No teachers" even "playing after lunch w friends".

This emphasises how children thrive on routine. Any routine. They want to know what& #39;s coming, what& #39;s next.

I really hope this helps. Did I mention I& #39;m a Psychologist? (which is different to a therapist). And w the added bonus of being @FreedomProgramm trained, & a proud ambassador 4 them. Pls ask away, here/DM, anytime. No scenario will ever be "weird" #DA #DV #Abuse #Trauma #VAWG https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="❤️" title="Red heart" aria-label="Emoji: Red heart">