Worried about the mental health impact of school closures

[Piplette]

My 5 year old DD is in her first year at primary school and its just been announced that schools will close on Friday until further notice - possibly August. I totally agree with and understand the reasoning for this.

I'm fortunate that I'm on maternity leave until October so I've been buying in craft materials, games etc to keep her busy.

I can only do so much though and me, her dad and her baby sister are a poor substitute for all the social interaction she has at school.

She is a very sociable child and for her that's the reason she loves school so much - because she can play with her friends.

I'm not sure how she or I will cope with a prolonged period of effective isolation.

Are others feeling the same. Any thoughts on how we might support our kids during this time.

I'm in almost the exact same position as you. I guess we aren't really sure how long this is really going to last but in the interim period we are going to be face-timing friends and family... a lot! x

I've put DD and asked her friends onto Messenger Kids. Skype calls. Even 'play dates' to open areas like the large dog park near us. If they're on bikes and scooters they won't be within six feet of each other.

I've also been trying to think of bigger things. Call an old people's home, organise a few kids to come separately and sing on the pavement outside (six feet away from each other). 'Adopt' a self isolated older person electronically?

I think the next few month there will be lots of great ideas on this.