Chaplain

Dear Loganlea family,

Hello from your Chaplain, Bri Wardill. I wanted to write to you during what is again an uncertain time. But our community has come through these lockdowns before, and I am sure we will survive again. I wanted to share with you some information and some services that are available in our broader community for either yourself or someone you know. However, if at any time you need to chat to someone or you are struggling to get the help you need, please feel free to contact me directly via my email address: Brianna.wardill@suchaplaincy.org.au .

I want to encourage you to remember that although this is something we have been through many times, it can still be a time of panic and worry. So, it is important that we continue to care not only for ourselves but also to show patience with others through this. We have seen that the unpredictability of these lockdowns can lead to others acting without reason and making choices out of panic rather than logic. It can be frustrating to watch on as we try to show consideration and care. But I want to remind you that we are the examples that our children see, so we must choose to lead and act with courage and kindness, even when others may not. Things may not always make sense but in these times all we have is each other.

“I think probably kindness is my number one attribute in a human being. I'll put it before any of the things like courage, or bravery, or generosity, or anything else… Kindness—that simple word. To be kind—it covers everything, to my mind. If you're kind that's it." —Roald Dahl.

Local Services

The following is a list of services that provide help. There are a number of websites that provide an online directory of support available in our community. The two key websites are OnePlace Community Services Directory and the Askizzy website.

Counselling

Relief

Housing and Accomodation 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been around long enough that most people are now informed about the virus but we are now seeing that more young people have been getting sick which could be concerning for your children. So I have added a small amount of information about how to continue to speak to your child about the virus:

Arm yourself with factual information about the virus
Before you speak to your child, the first thing you need to do, if you haven't already, is make sure you have your facts clear about COVID-19 – symptoms of the virus, how it is transmitted, prevention, treatment and recovery, those who are most at risk of suffering more severe symptoms and some statistics about rates of infection and mortality rates.

Be honest – but don't overshare or make promises
Focus on helping your child feel safe, but be truthful. Children may have questions about germs and sickness and, in some case, even death. Don't offer more detail than your child is interested in. If your child asks about something and you don't know the answer, say so. Use the question as a chance to find out together. Check the World Health Organisation website for up-to-date, reliable information about the virus. That way, you have the facts and children don't see headlines about deaths and other scary information. When you talk about coronavirus and the news, speak calmly and reassuringly. Explain that most people who get sick feel like they have a cold or the flu. Give children space to share their fears. It's natural for children to worry. Let your child know that children don't get as sick as adults.

The temptation may be to reassure your child they won't get the virus and that no one they know will get sick. Unfortunately these things are out of your control. Steer away from making these types of promises, instead acknowledge your child's fears and reassure them that legions of skilled professionals are working hard to keep everyone safe and healthy. Reassure your child that it's normal to feel stressed out at times. Everyone does. Let them know they can always come to you for answers or to talk about what scares them. Emphasize that stressful times pass and life gets back to normal.

Help children feel in control
Give your child specific things they can do to feel in control. Teach kids that getting lots of sleep and washing their hands well and often can help them stay strong and well. Explain that regular hand washing also helps stop viruses from spreading to others. Be a good role model and let your kids see you washing your hands often! Talk about all the things that are happening to keep people safe and healthy. Young children might be reassured to know that hospitals and doctors are prepared to treat people who get sick. Older children might be comforted to know that scientists are working to develop a vaccine. Young children and teens often worry more about family and friends than themselves. For example, if children hear that older people are more likely to be seriously ill, they might worry about their grandparents. Letting them call or Skype with older relatives can help them feel reassured about loved ones.

Limit news exposure
Watch the news with your kids so you can filter what they hear. Put news stories in context. If children ask, explain that death from the virus is still rare, despite what they might hear. Seeing images of people wearing masks in hospital wards and hearing coronavirus news reports all day long can increase distress in anyone, but especially in those predisposed to anxiety already. Experts say it's a good idea to decrease your viewing time in common family areas of your home. If necessary, read news reports discretely on your phone away from your children. Be mindful of those nearby that overhear news reports you're watching or hearing.

Try to play and laugh
Break out board games, Lego, puzzles, bake cookies, or take a family hike. Show your children that there's an upside to all the cancellations. If a much-anticipated event or spring break is cancelled, try to reschedule it for a later date so that everyone has something to look forward to. This will help reinforce that this will pass.

Continue the dialogue and check in with children regularly
It shouldn't be a one-off conversation that you have with your child. Keep the communication lines open and look for opportunities to explain new information and allay fears.

Again, if you or your child needs to talk to someone, please don't hesitate to reach out to me via my email: Brianna.wardill@suchaplaincy.org.au

Kind Regards,

            Bri Wardill

            Chaplain, SU Chaplaincy​

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