Minding your child’s wellbeing during the Covid-19 outbreak

This can be a stressful time for young people and they can experience confusion, sadness, anxiety and uncertainty about their change in routine and socialising. Here are some tips for how to help lessen the impact of the current situation.

• Have an open conversation about Covid-19 in simple language and in an age-appropriate way
• Children and teenagers hear lots of rumours from others so make sure to ask your child if they have any fears or worries at the moment
• Communication is key, you don’t have to have all the answers but talking with your child can help them feel reassured, connected and safe
• Don’t talk about any financial difficulties in front of your child
• Don’t discuss concerns over childcare in front of your child

• Manage your own fears and worries as best as possible and seek support if you need it
• Be aware that younger children can suffer stress, sadness and anxiety and this can show as ‘sore tummies’, headaches, refusing to eat, disturbed sleep, crying or withdrawn behaviour
• Children may want more of your attention and affection during times of stress, so do your best to hug, play, reassure and talk with them as needed.
• Signs of stress, anxiety or sadness in teenagers can be a change in their sleeping and eating habits, mood swings, crying, withdrawing to their room, excess video gaming or anger outbursts
• Talking openly, reassuring and responding as calmly as possible with teenagers can help keep them feeling supported

• Be aware of what media is in your home via television, phones and tablets and how much screen time your child has
• Limit your child’s access to images and news as images of hazmat suits and hospitals can be disturbing to them and cause them stress
• Try and keep life as normal as possible for your child
• Where possible look for creative activities for your child, this can give them a good quality outlet as well as provide them with fun and distraction
• Try and get outside as much as possible, in times of social distancing it is still okay to go for walks and get some fresh air

This can be a difficult time for parents and family members with uncertainty about what is happening. If you are concerned about your child’s mental health contact us on 074 9129630 or by email for further guidance or information about available services.

Coping with Covid-19

Tips for young people

• Remember this will pass
• Talk to someone you trust about how you feel
• Do something you enjoy and practice some self care
• Remember it’s normal to be feeling sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during a crisis.

Donegal Youth Service Statement

In light of the announcement made by the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar the Management of Donegal Youth Service have made a decision to suspend all youth groups including drop-in provision and youth clubs until the 29th March 2020.

Staff will continue to respond to email correspondence and will be contactable as normal during office hours.

As this is an unprecedented situation we ask for the public to bear with us and will continue to provide updates on social media and our website as the situation unfolds. Please keep safe and well!

Contact Donegal Youth Service on (074) 91 29630, e-mail admin@donegalyouthservice.ie, visit www.donegalyouthservice.ie, or call in to us at 16-18 Port Road, Letterkenny.  We are also on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.  Donegal Youth Service is a registered charity.  Charity No.  CHY 15027.