What is Semi-Independent Accommodation?
Semi-independent homes are there to help children make a smooth transition into adulthood so they are prepared to live independently. Evoke Care has a semi-independent accommodation provision for vulnerable young adults aged 16-18 designed to cater for challenging behaviour and complex needs. Sometimes referred to as supported housing, our facilities are staffed 24 hours a day by our own highly qualified carers. This type of provision is ideal for low-level offenders, students leaving foster care and those with mild but challenging behaviour or needs. Based on the Every Child Matters Five Outcomes, we work hard on delivering the extra support our young people need so that they successfully go onto employment and move forward with their lives, entering into their communities comfortably and ultimately, living independently. Each young person in our semi-independent accommodation facilities receives a tailored care packaged and a dedicated support worker based on individual assessment. This care package will be part of their plan to eventually move forward independently. Tailored plans include emotional support and practical help in education, health and day-to-day issues. We also help young people understand how to cook, budget and manage household tasks. During young people’s time with us in our semi-independent accommodation facilities, we encourage them to develop independence and as time progresses, once they become more competent, the level of assistance reduces. Support is always available for as long as young people are in our setting. What we assist with: Cookery Food shopping General health and safety Personal care/hygiene Budgeting/money/savings Household maintenance And a range of services and activities for personal development. Additionally, we offer one-to-one help with legal issues, benefits and moving forward with life. We also offer mentoring, relationship-building, self-image, confidence therapy, assist with encouraging self-motivation and using local facilities, for example, transport. All in all, Semi-Independent accommodation plays a vital role in a young persons’ journey to independence. We aim to help all individuals under our care feel included and valued, giving them the best headstart in life.
Picking up the Pieces of the Pandemic
Although the lockdown has been tough on us all, there is one population amongst us who have been particularly vulnerable and upon whom the lockdown has been extremely tough: Children in care. Just consider for a moment, those amongst us with stable homes and environments, families who love and care for us, and yet we have wound up with anxiety and now live in a state of fear and uncertainty. From the daily death tolls to the unclear restrictions put upon our lives by governments, it’s no wonder the past few months have been hard. But through it all, we normally have a network of people around us we can count on. However, for children in residential homes, things aren’t as simple. Before the pandemic began, things were already tough for this vulnerable group. Already dealing with limited contact with parents and families, as well as constantly changing environments, the little blanket of security underneath them was ripped away, leaving behind an array of psychological and emotional devastation. Statistics uncover the impact of COVID-19 for vulnerable children in care With social restrictions, schools closing and changes to the child’s normal routine being thrown up in the air, the rise in anxiety and depression amongst children and students has increased dramatically. Save the Children have released recent surveys of a sample of over 6000 children which revealed 65% struggled with feelings of isolation. Feelings of helplessness, loneliness, fear, social exclusion and separation from family, friends or social workers can cause feelings of social isolation and sustained stress, leading to more mental health disorders amongst children. The World Health Organisation noted the enormous disruption this has had on the lives of young people. When schools closed, children lost the ‘sense of structure and stimulation that is provided by that environment, and now they have less opportunity to be with their friends and get that social support that is essential for good mental well-being’. Now, combine this with the normal fear’s children experience. Just as adults do, young people also have fears of illness, dying, or losing those they love due to the virus. This type of situation would be extremely overwhelming for the best equipped amongst us, let alone vulnerable children. Being indoors all the time can also place some children at increased risk of, or increased exposure to, child protection incidents, which in its entirety is a whole other topic. So, although all children are perceptive to change, young children especially may find the changes that have taken place difficult to understand, and both younger and older children may express irritability and anger. Not to mention that children in care with ADHD and ADD, prone to symptoms of restlessness and edginess, inattentiveness and inability to sit still will find this extremely difficult. Unicef has also released a report revealing the less-talked-about impacts of the virus hitting vulnerable children in care and their rights, such as: 700 million days of education will be missed between the start of the pandemic and summer, not to mention the limited access to resources available to support children remotely. Children’s access to healthcare being limited making it harder for children to get the proper care and attention they need. Coping mechanisms are reduced, which leads to a bigger build-up of anxiety and stress for those children living with mental health conditions. Online abuse has increased, as online supervision has decreased and predators are utilising more tactics to use on young children. Children’s voices aren’t heard when decisions are made across the board. As we can see, the impact of the virus has been severe for children in general, let alone children in care. So, the question we need to ask is how can we promote health and wellness during and Post-COVID-19 to help children in care face these challenges? Practical ways to help children in care manage emotional and psychological disturbances For carers, social workers and those supporting children in care, there is a duty to do their utmost to prevent children from experiencing the full brunt of the pandemic. If you are working with vulnerable children and want to help them manage their fears and overcome the issues they face, please read on and do your best to apply these tips: Be honest Give children the love and attention they need to help their fears resolve. Always be honest with them, and take time to explain whatever is happening in a way that is easy for them to understand. Be calm yourself first Ensure you aren’t displaying any obvious anxieties or signs of stress yourself. As a carer or someone working closely with children, children may model your responses and how you deal with things. Children are extremely perceptive, and if they can sense your anxiety or stress, this would make the message you are trying to give harder for them to grasp. Ensure mental health support services are available for children to access freely, even if remotely. Talk often as changes happen Explain the changes to lockdown restrictions as they come up. Ask them about how they feel about these changes and provide reassurance when needed. Always make time for fun stuff Increase the amount of time spent with the children doing positive, uplifting, and engaging activities. These can be cooking, playing games together or watching a movie to help them momentarily switch off from their worries. Keep up routines Try to keep their regular routines as consistent as possible. This will promote a sense of safety and security within the child. Give them time to adjust. There are some big changes that have been happening recently, and children need time. Give them space and wherever possible, arrange catch-ups with those they love remotely, until it is safe to do so in person. By doing these things and taking proactive steps to help children deal with their uncertainties and troubles, they can feel much more supported. This way, one child at a time, we can help pick up the pieces left from the pandemic and give vulnerable children in care a genuine sense of security and love.
How to Effectively Promote Equality and Diversity
The events that have taken place in America over the past month have paved the way for a global conversation about race, diversity and the injustices faced by minority groups. Whilst the events were specifically centred on the experiences of African Americans, it is interesting to note one fundamental shift in particular. Never before have corporations taken a collective stance and publicly declared efforts to tackle racism. Now, that is new. The amount of protests and conversations that are being had both online and in-person elude to a brighter tone of conversation this time around. Maybe, just maybe, we will be able to discuss how to effectively promote equality and diversity, and perhaps this time, for some of it to take root. Collective decisions to promote equality and diversity If you are amongst one of the workforces who have chosen to speak up about the injustices taking place and have taken steps to ensure it does not happen within your own teams, then kudos. If you are still on your way, this article will talk about useful and effective ways to promote diversity, so that our minorities can experience less racism, and escape the undercurrents of prejudice. It is also equally important to recognise that these injustices do not only happen in the workplace but also in our schools, care homes and areas relating to vulnerable children. Moreover, it is increasingly important that we protect young people in care from these scarring incidents– they already deal with so much. Utilizing the Race Framework The Race Framework, which has been adapted by Stephanie Creary, is a great place to start. It’s perfect for management, both in the middle and at the top, and can help start a productive conversation about race at work or within residential children’s homes. R – Reducing anxiety by speaking openly about race No matter who you are, a social worker, a carer, senior staff members, commissioners, children in care, administrative staff, we should all feel comfortable when talking about race. Unfortunately, we aren’t there just yet, and many still feel awkwardness and tensions when discussing these topics. Even not taking into consideration someone’s race can be seen as racism. Moreover, if management can help their staff feel more at ease, by agreeing to norms everyone will observe before these conversations take place, a safe space can be built where conversations are confidential and productive. A – Acceptance of the fact that anything related to race is either seen or unseen People often have different ways of perceiving race, and one way to make it a standard part of diversity is to normalize it. Management speaking up about their positive and negative experiences around their own race’s visibility is a great place to start. C – Calling for internal or external help Employees or children in care should always have people they can turn to who are professional and have lots of knowledge on the matters at hand. Having someone staff can trust, or whom children who have experienced any form of inequality can go to when they need help, is essential. E – Expecting that tools and frameworks are needed to work from Managers shouldn’t go into these conversations empty-handed. Creating practical frameworks and tools to help employees feel like an important part of the conversation when talking about inclusion and equality is crucial. Erasing Unconscious Biases The RACE framework is a great starting point; however, we must be brutally honest with ourselves if we want to make a true impact. We all love to think we are not prejudice or objective, but unconscious biases can have damaging impacts on inclusivity, and lead to the ‘invisible’ side of inequality and racism becoming more visible. The fact of the matter is, research reveals we are drawn to those who are similar to us. It’s when this goes too far that it can pose a threat to our workplaces and environments, causing people to become excluded and workforces to become less diverse. Here are some practical ways we can combat unconscious bias to promote more equality and diversity- Know it exists: as long as you don’t think something exists, it can never come to the surface to be worked through and erased. By becoming more aware of it and how it impacts others can help make our decisions more intentional. Categorising the world around us helps us assimilate the vast amount of information that the brain can effectively process. Knowing we have this tendency can help us become more switched on to our unconscious biases and become more open. Create inclusive practices: whether you’re working with vulnerable children or adults, all of us can work on being more considerate. For example, valuing other’s time, not always sitting next to the same person at lunch, giving critique in a constructive manner are just a few things we can do to decrease unconscious bias. Take a breather – unconscious bias has been known to excel when things are rushed and decisions are made in a hurry, so step back and wait a moment to rethink things. Create a broader social circle – getting to know people from different cultural and academic backgrounds can help you understand others better and be more inclusive in general. Starting from the roots, we can all do our part to help eradicate inequality, biases and racism to contribute to a more diverse and pluralistic society; One where we are given a more equal chance at success, treated fairly and made to feel valuable, despite our background.
How to Keep Children with ADHD Entertained at Home
When ‘normal’ no longer exists for a child with ADHD, their world goes into freefall– and so does their state of mind. When the pandemic surfaced and significant societal changes took place, the impact on children in care diagnosed with ADHD was severe. Unable to stick to their essential routines which gave their life the structure they needed, they were suddenly forced to stay indoors with no clarity, and no answers. This is a frustrating enough scenario for anyone, let alone those battling the most common neurodevelopmental disorder that expresses itself through behaviours such as a short attention span, constant fidgeting, and acting without thinking, to name a few symptoms of ADHD. How anxiety for children with ADHD manifests When someone with ADHD worries excessively, this can actually become a threat to their general health. Research shows that up to 40% of people with ADHD also having generalised anxiety disorder, which in combination can have several emotional and physical impacts, such as: Insomnia or disruption of sleep due to worry Inability to concentrate IBS or loss/increase in appetite Using substances to cope These are just a few of the ways that those with ADHD express themselves, and as the days indoors continue to add up, things can get even more challenging. In the case of children, they require additional structure and support to manage their behaviours. knowing the most effective ways to help children weather the storm can be essential to keeping them stimulated, entertained and feeling safe. Great Tips for Entertaining Kids with ADHD at Home Talk to the school The teachers at school and support staff are the most experienced with helping children with ADHD. They have probably tried numerous approaches, tools and methods to help children stay focused. Moreover, carers or parents should ask as many questions as they can. Some good things to ask might be ‘What worked in the past to help my child remain focused in class?’ or ‘How much should I be helping them with their work?’, for example. Have structure and keep it consistent For children with ADHD, the more uncertainty they have to deal with, the more hectic their lives become. There are several great examples of guides on the internet that help provide younger children with a schedule, so that they know when activities will occur, which is ultimately much more rewarding for them. Take plenty of breaks Short bursts of activity work best with young children, especially those with ADHD. Studies reveal that kids can focus for longer periods of time as they grow older, so it is important to take your child’s stage of life into consideration. Brain Balance Centres provides a good framework to follow: Average attention spans work out like this: 2 years old: four to six minutes 4 years old: eight to 12 minutes 6 years old: 12 to 18 minutes 8 years old: 16 to 24 minutes 10 years old: 20 to 30 minutes 12 years old: 24 to 36 minutes 14 years old: 28 to 42 minutes 16 years old: 32 to 48 minutes In the case of children with ADHD, these time estimations would most likely need to be further divided, in order to keep them actively engaged and interested. Remember to let the children know upfront what they need to do, within a clear set amount of time and track their progress afterwards when setting tasks. Mix it up Alternating activities is a great way to make a child’s day more interesting and keep their mind stimulated. Staggering the schedule of activities, breaking things up and adding in rewards for good behaviour are all constructive ways to help keep children motivated. Keep it positive Encouraging communication and reinforcement that is both bold and quick works well for children who have shorter attention spans and struggle to control impulsive behaviour. This resource from Intermountain Healthcare focuses on some great ways to communicate with a child who has ADHD. Overall, it is important to remain patient! If you have been struggling throughout lockdown, start putting in place these tips, and take time to know what works best in your child’s specific case. As a carer, parent, or professional working with children, it’s important to manage your own expectations too. Don’t expect too much, in too little time. Work on setting small, achievable goals and working up from there, so children who cannot access their usual routines can help to bring more security, stability and ease back into their lives.
How the Social Work Sector will Look Post-Lockdown
Looking into the Future of Social Work after the Pandemic With the vast majority of social workers expressing their frustration caused by Covid-19 and the impact it’s had on their work and the lives of those they support, the field has come under even more scrutiny. A recent study revealed that over half of all professionals in social work have been put in jeopardy, as the pressure to work despite the significant risk of infection has caused them anxiety and stress. Consequently, it has been reported that front-line workers are more at risk to develop adverse mental health issues, both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Struggling to Deliver Quality Service Social workers admit to the virus diminishing their efficacy in carrying out their services, and as a result, the vulnerable groups such as children in care and individuals they support have been negatively impacted due to the restrictions. With the ever-changing landscape of social work, the pandemic has caused a seismic shift in the foundations of how they operate. Here are some reasons why: Several social workers have found they are unable to meet statutory requirements and responsibilities. This is due to them having to self-isolate, or colleagues falling sick. Many have developed anxiety due to carrying out duties that put them at a high risk of infection. The availability of Personal Protective Equipment has been low and unsatisfactory, increasing social workers mental health issues. What was already a difficult job has now become even more testing, as many staff have taken lengthy times off due to falling ill, or through loved ones getting sick or dying. Social workers must now weigh up the risks of infecting their own families due to being a front-line worker. As we can see, the pandemic hasn’t been kind on the profession, and the much-needed help from governments and local councils hasn’t been sufficient enough to provide employees with the support they need. It is clear to see that the immediate future looks uncertain for social workers, and this is partly due to the lack of clarity in government guidelines. Until sufficient vaccines are released and made readily available to the majority, social workers have an extremely hard role to handle. They must visit children, individuals and families in the midst of a cacophony of complex situations, all of which increase anxiety. Since the pandemic, things have become increasingly harder as staff have to work remotely and are at a distance from management. Mentors and peers who could have previously provided 1-1 support are required to keep spirits high, but without the framework they operated with pre-COVID. With families experiencing increasing amounts of pressure such as coping with children being stuck indoors, and stresses such as being made redundant, the hardships only seem to multiply. This is also why the role of the social worker has never been more needed within society. As families struggle with poverty from reduced incomes due to the pandemic, it has become harder to gain access to the resources, food and accommodation needed. What’s on the horizon for social care? Despite the increasing number of caseloads as a result of staff calling in sick and self-isolating, things haven’t been as bad as expected. During this unexpected and unprecedented catastrophe, social workers have responded magnanimously. Government guidance has been unclear, and this is especially the case relating to children in care. Many social workers have been unsatisfied with the guidance provided in April, and guidelines have been disputed as duties were too relaxed for vulnerable children. The positives to come for social workers Amongst all of the issues, problems and stress put on social workers, there is, in fact, a silver lining to all this. It has been expected that the following benefits will materialise for those in the social care profession: Public support will increase for social workers. As referrals for children, families and adults continue to surge, many are realising social worker’s vital role in maintaining the safety of our society. Even down to issues that were kept behind closed doors now coming to light due to lockdown, social workers are being viewed as more valuable than ever before. It has also come to surface that there is a severe lack of funding in the field, which will hopefully bring about positive changes. Mental health and social work will be closely aligned. Some of the pressure may be lifted from social workers as covid-19 pushes us to realise the psychological aftermath on people. Specialist mental health social work is moreover becoming more prominent and gaining influence. This is because people are realising after the crisis of a pandemic that people not only need ways to cope, but also that strong social networks are more important than ever. Working conditions will change for the better. From self-care resources to flexible working and personal risk assessments, the field is looking to adapt to the new normal, in order to help staff thrive under these difficult circumstances. Those requiring more support, formal or informal, will be given priority.
How to Deal with Case-Overload as a Social Worker and Carer
If you are a social worker, you probably know better than anyone just how much pressure has been put on professionals since the Covid-19 crisis began. It appears that more than 70% of children’s social workers are struggling with caseloads since the pandemic outbreak according to recent data. Only 4% said their workload was ‘comfortably manageable’, whilst 24% said it was ‘mostly manageable’. These statistics make it clear that to the vast majority, the work given to social workers is completely unmanageable and unrealistic. On top of this, workers are met with additional hardships such as minimal PPE (personal protective equipment) and a lack of clarity from governments about guidelines for safe practice during the outbreak. Has the rise in social workers made it easier? Believe it or not, in September 2019 there was the highest record of social workers for children in care in the UK according to government data. The number of agency workers also grew by 10% over this period. You would think with this surge in employment, there would be an ease on the caseloads given to professionals. However, recent feedback says otherwise. With more and more investment going into the social work field, influential figures are beginning to realise the vital role they are playing in supporting both young people and families throughout the pandemic. So, why then does it continue to be such a stressful area with both high turnovers and increasing amounts of staff going off sick due to burnout? The common threats to social workers After finishing the arduous and complex training to become a fully qualified social worker, many are unprepared for the level of exhaustion and work expected of them. This is ironic, as the last thing you want is to make helping others such a priority that your own mental, physical and emotional wellbeing takes the hit. This leads to what many call burnout, which unfortunately is a commonly used phrase for those in social work, especially when dealing with a vulnerable group. On top of this, the high expectations required alongside poor supervision or mentorship given to social workers makes it difficult to withhold the demanding role and the emotional exhaustion it brings. Moreover, self-care is a substantial element to burnout prevention, and should be taken seriously by all those working in areas that can be emotionally and mentally draining. Ways to prioritize self-care as a social worker working with a vulnerable group To avoid overload and burnout completely, researchers have found that its particularly helpful to prevent things such as compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma and secondary traumatic stress. By taking self-care seriously, professionals can assess their own needs and ensure they are being met without feeling guilty. From finding supportive mentors, a positive peer group, pursuing personal goals and hobbies to relaxation, there’s plenty social workers can do to increase their wellbeing. Here are some great ideas: Prioritize your comfort in and out of work Try to eat lunch at your desk as little as possible, invest in a comfortable chair, fill your office or desk with your favourite plants that refresh your spirits. If it helps to play relaxing music that puts your mind at ease whilst you type a report, then that is what you need to do. Get into healthy routines Conditioning your mind and body to carry out habitual activities that ground and centre you are a crucial part of self-care. Before reaching the office for example, can you find one hour to go to the gym? Are you a church-goer who finds peace from worship? If so, maybe you can schedule time to visit after your day is finished. It really depends what self-care strategies work for you personally. Finding these and sticking to them will help prevent burnout. Seek support Within the workplace there should be access to mentorship or advice you can seek out. Also, ensure you surround yourself with a peer group who you feel comfortable opening up to. Learn to check in with each other and personally debrief after an intense case to process what happened and figure out your next steps. As we can see, social work is never easy and unfortunately, we still have a long way to go before things become balanced for most professionals working with children in care. However, taking personal ownership over your self-care is fundamental if you want to avoid burnout, and keep serving your community as a successful social worker.
Practical Ways to Help Children get through Anxiety
In the last year, over 350,000 young people accessed NHS Mental Health Services, and in any given year, roughly 110,00 14-year-olds will self-harm. With so many children struggling with various mental health issues before the COVID-19 outbreak, one can only wonder what impact the global pandemic has had on the mental wellbeing of young people, especially those in care. As young people are amongst the largest group to struggle with mental health repercussions due to the pandemic, they need as much professional and informal support as they can get. In order to help them achieve a positive transition into adulthood, we all have a duty to do what we can, when we see a child struggling with anxiety. The impact of restricted mental health support services Before the emergence of 2020’s global pandemic, children in Britain had access to therapists, psychologists as well as various other means of support they were accessing for mental health issues. With lockdown restrictions and social distancing, these essential services for children transitioned to remote and online support. Despite this, the lack of professionals available and the overwhelming amounts of work key-workers are undertaking, many of these sessions have been postponed. This sequence of events only fuels the fires of anxiety, which if left to spiral out of control, can consume a young mind as they dive deeper into depression, potentially leading to self-harm. This means that any child who struggled with anxiety before the Coronavirus, will now have struggle severely without the network of support they previously had. What happens when children experience more anxiety and less support is available? Disrupted routines, worries about loved ones becoming ill from the Coronavirus, a lack of social support which previously helped them manage their disorder, and their usual physical activities and outdoor hobbies getting suspended. These are all incredibly anxiety-inducing and compounded by the fact that even the time off from school can be enough to drive children dealing with difficult situations at home over the edge. This is why those who have young children displaying signs of anxiety or staff working with children in care need to be hypervigilant when picking up the signs, and know what to do in order to help. Practical Ways to Help Children Anxious About the Coronavirus Encourage them to express their feelings If children have trouble talking about their worries, it might be easier for them to write them down, so you can review what’s on their mind later. Encouraging young children to talk about their feeling can be a good catharsis for them. If they are younger, getting them involved in play or hobbies can be a great way to encourage them to open up. Go in prepared Tragedies such as deaths caused by the virus can be extremely difficult for children to process, let alone communicate their grief. If the child you are speaking to is anxious about someone they love dying from the virus, Childline has a great article on how to talk to young people when someone they know dies. Set the example Children and teens are highly perceptive, and what has the biggest impact on them is how you communicate and your own behaviour. When they see adults acting calmly, this is a clear signal to the child that they are safe, and that there is no need to worry. Young people can often sense parents or carers’ anxieties. So, do remember to be mindful of this before approaching a child in care. Stepping outside to breathe deeply and taking a moment to pause can be very helpful. Practice active listening and make them feel validated Listening actively is an essential skill for all those in contact with young children. Asking non-judgemental and emphatic questions, whilst showing that you are genuinely interested in hearing how they feel is really important. Validation comes with not dismissing what they have to say or rejecting their emotions. This helps them feel understood, and in turn, they will be able to open up more. Look at the facts Anxiety can often become overwhelming. When a child becomes anxious, it is crucial to encourage children to sit with it instead of distracting themselves. We should help them realise that even though it’s uncomfortable, their anxiety won’t harm them and cannot hurt them. We should also help them to separate the facts from their ‘what if’s’, as there can be many concerns around coronavirus that have no substance. Know when it’s time to get professional help Knowing when to go to a professional therapist or psychologist can be extremely useful, especially when helping a vulnerable group like children in care. When a young person’s anxiety becomes disordered and begins to interfere with a child’s sleep, eating habits or interactions, it’s important to get help and reach out, especially during this stressful period. If you are working with children in care within semi-independent accommodation, utilising these methods can be really helpful. No matter what the setting however, anxiety within children can be complex, and knowing the right ways to help them deal with their worries and fears can help them overcome any disorder in a more positive and constructive way.
How to Plan Ahead during Uncertainty
With lockdown restrictions easing, hospitality up and running again, and countries re-opening their borders, things seem to be looking up. However, despite the slow return to normality, many of us have had to let go of any plans we made before the pandemic. From new jobs we had lined up canceling the hiring process, to postponing family holidays and delayed weddings, there is still a cloud of uncertainty looming above us all. Letting go of plans and the inability to plan for the future is a struggle for humans. We are hardwired to set goals and plan ahead- it is how we make sense of our time. From the diaries on our phones to plans we voiced to our partners, the pandemic has changed so much of what we expected for our year ahead. Even those amongst us who were planning whether to grow their families have stopped to question their next move, as women struggle with public-facing jobs, health conditions such as asthma and the uncertainty of getting pregnant in the midst of the virus. Tapping into Support to Help Navigate the Future for Children in Care It is fair to say that life in general rarely goes according to plan. When children are involved, things are always subject to changes and alterations, which means that even though things are difficult, we would expect to be used to adapting already. The NSPCC have published great resources on their websites that help families and those working with a vulnerable group such as children in care cope with the uncertainty around the pandemic. We have also produced a blog around talking to children about their anxiety and uncertainties about the Coronavirus, which is a helpful resource for those looking for ways to manage these situations. How to Remain Positive Despite an Uncertain Future From the time we have spent in lockdown, we have learnt many valuable lessons. However, if we want to optimise our planning processes in order to help reorient our life in the best way possible, here are some great ideas: Stick to what you said: intentions shouldn’t be thrown out the window. Even the most trivial of things should be honoured. Remembering to keep morning routines for example, before starting your day of work at home, is a good way to keep our spirits up and moving forward in a positive direction. Give more importance to attainable goals: it can be disappointing to have big goals set and an inability to meet them due to the recent turn of events. Many people put pressure on themselves to pick up a new language or start a business during isolation. However, putting too much pressure on goals and not achieving them can increase anxiety and make things even more frustrating, defeating the initial purpose. Take it slow with new goals: if you or your children want to set new goals, remember to take it slowly. Collective learning online can be a great way to keep up the community spirit and meet new people to keep you inspired as you move forward. Encourage children to revisit things: if there are things that have been dropped due to lack of time before, then now is a great time to jump back on the bandwagon, shifting you and your families focus. Realise we all go at our own pace, especially children: some of us might struggle to give up on plans more than others, especially younger people. For a young person, their life is defined by things such as studying, exams, working to gain experience. These are all how young people make sense of their time and life. So, it’s important to provide them with the support they need and allow them to open up if they are struggling. This way we can see how we can help them reach a new normal if previous plans went amiss. Finding a new normal after everything that has unfolded over the past few months may take time. Being patient and shifting priorities where needed can give us the focus we require to keep us motivated as we press forward.
How to Talk to Children about Racism
During the past few months, our media has been filled with injustices, highlighting the racial discrimination many have to deal with on a day to day basis. From the recent murder of an African-American man by a white police officer in Minneapolis, to countless other recorded events demonstrating blatant racism going viral on social media. As a result, it’s clear that children are more exposed to injustices that happen globally nowadays. It’s only natural you may want to shield young minds from these wrongdoings, but the fact of the matter is that they are most likely already overhearing people talk about racial differences and racism, which makes this an all the more important conversation to have. The opportunity to speak up Now is a better time than ever to broach these difficult conversation topics so that we can have a positive influence in young people’s minds, paving the way for a more equal society. In order to pave the way towards a more equal society, we must broach these difficult topics and have a positive influence on young people’s minds. As such, now is the best time to begin these conversations. According to a lecturer from the National Museum of African American History and Culture, children will get information and understand the matters from other sources. This means that it is crucial to begin having these conversations within the home first. This way you can have most impact. However, parents and carers may wonder exactly how to do this tactfully. This article will now go on to list some of the best ways you can approach the topic about race with young children for the best possible outcomes. Expose them to different cultures from a young age Bringing a vibrant array of cultures in to the lives of young people will have a positive impact from the outset. It has been said that children as young as three are aware of skin colour and have no issues asking questions. When you expand on these conversations early, they are keen to understand and discover. Remember however, before doing so, to check your own stereotypes and unconscious biases. Although the vast majority of adults wouldn’t consider themselves or their children as racist, intention isn’t always a factor of racism. Do your research You must be prepared to answer tricky questions about race-based events and to handle the emotions they may bring out in young people. Be prepared to have a broader conversation on the topic and brush up on your own understanding of history in terms of race relations in your own country. This way, it will be easier to discuss with children. The resource from NAAMHC called Talking About Race is a fantastic web portal with resources to help parents and teachers navigate the discussion with helpful tools. If you’re looking for a good place to start, you can bring up the topic of institutional oppression in which a system discriminates continuously against some groups and benefits others. Be a model for them As an adult, you are responsible for setting an example for young children who look up to you. So, when it comes to thoughtful and productive conversations around race, parents or carers should be comfortable having them with each other first. If you are uncomfortable or intimidated by such conversations, start watching more documentaries and reading more books around conversations on race. There are plenty of great resources online to help parents navigate these sensitive topics for the best outcomes. Above this, the best way to erase stereotypes and biases is to have a genuine connection with a variety of people from a mix of backgrounds. If everyone who enters the house always looks the same, this will leave a subconscious impression on them. Encouraging children to develop a diverse network of friends is crucial to remain open-minded. Keep it relatable When young people think about fairness, it is of great importance to them. You often hear them whining or moaning when something does not go their way or isn’t considered fair for them. Moreover, this is a great starting point in making the matter of racism more relatable to younger minds, as explaining the complexities of institutional racism to young children is not always the easiest. On the other hand, it is easier to relate it to something they already understand and have experienced themselves. There’s plenty of helpful activities on the web to help children comprehend unfairness within society, at which point the conversation can be moved to how we ourselves can make a positive impact. Know you don’t have all the answers. And that’s okay. Whilst it’s great to be an advocate when supporting people’s viewpoints so they can speak up and feel listened to, it’s also important to own up when you don’t know it all. Using your voice and opinions in the right way empowers your kids to do the same too. However, there is no shame in saying to your child that you will have to come back to them when they ask a question you don’t have the answer to. This could even turn into a joint activity where you watch a documentary or short informative YouTube video explaining the issue in-depth. It also helps keep the conversations honest and genuine, so children remain correctly informed. In conclusion… There are many other ways we can help children understand race issues and start proactive conversations with them. The more we lead by example in celebrating diversity and being comfortable in having these difficult conversations whenever they come up, the more children will feel at ease. This way, you can leave a lasting impression on them that helps contribute to a fairer society in the long-term.
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