#isolationessentials – ADHD Expert

There is no doubt that we are living through unprecedented times. The coronavirus COVID-19 has hit the world and we are all reeling and feel like we are part of a movie. Except this is reality not fantasy.

It’s already affecting my family. My daughter is out in Israel on her own with the borders closed, my parents and in-laws are in their 80s and we’re concerned, my son is upset that his long-awaited holiday plans may be cancelled. The shelves are empty and the streets seem deserted.

Should we be panicking? No I don’t think so. Yes be concerned. Take positive action. But keep calm.

I’ve read a huge amount and been glued to the UK government updates and advice.

I think we should be listening to the experts, taking clear level headed advice and most importantly to be looking out for one another.

Current NHS advice (as of 14th March 2020):

Stay at home for 7 days if you have either:
a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
a new, continuous cough – this means you’ve started coughing repeatedly
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.
Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you’re staying at home.

But what on earth do you tell your children?

Be open and honest about the facts.

Watch this Newsround video together which is clear and factual.

Use a graphic like this produced by our friends over at @triplea.wicklow

But if you’re self-isolating, keeping the household calm is going to be a bloody nightmare……

My tips:

KEEP TO A ROUTINE

Your child with ADHD thrives on routine. So even if you’re stuck indoors make a daily plan. Plan a routine. Give your child a voice what you do and when you do it. Use diaries, planners, charts. Make it visual.

GIVE CHOICES

Your child is fed up with adults making all the decisions. They will feel the stress and anxiety of this weird situation and we know our children are incredibly intuitive to how we are feeling. So give as much scope as possible for your child to be in control of their day. There of course needs to be the usual limitations but keep the discussions going.

VALIDATE FEELINGS

Make all feelings okay. It is normal to feel worried, scared, anxious, frightened and give your child or teenager opportunities to talk about how they’re feeling. Don’t shut these feelings down. But be the voice of reason and keep stressing the facts.

ACTIVITIES

If you are isolating for weeks maybe months, your child will say they’re bored. Try and limit the screens and don’t make that the ‘go to’. Look on Pinterest and search for ideas of stuff to do together. Whatever the age, you can still plan a fun thing to do every day. If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, go outside. Or plan a walk without interacting with anyone else if possible.