How to talk to children about a Plan B Christmas: A THREAD
•Be as calm, clear and matter of fact as you can – you will be their guide.

Acknowledge your own sadness and disappointment whilst also making plans for a different Christmas.
•Focus on the Christmas things that are under our control.
•Let children feel and express their sadness or disappointment, don’t be tempted to minimise or talk it away.

•Naming and narrating their emotions for them can help young children process how they feel.
•Letting older children express and feel their difficult emotions will help them process and move on.

It’s tempting to try and talk children out of negative feelings, especially at Christmas but lending a sympathetic ear can be more constructive.

•Young children don’t need a lot of explanation or justification – stick to the facts. Older children may appreciate being part of a discussion about risks and safety.

•When you explain the change of plan, talk about what IS going to happen more than what is NOT going to happen. This will make it easier for younger children to visualise and anticipate.

•For many families, the beauty of Christmas is found in connection and anticipation. This has to happen differently this year; children might have some good ideas about new traditions.

oHere’s some I’ve heard: go on a nightwalk and take photos of Christmas lights to email to each other, get grandparents to record a video story of their best childhood Christmas memories, cousins set dance challenges to each other, decorate a back drop for video calls.

Anything which works along anticipation and connection will help children manage their Plan B Christmas

Finally, Parents: you were looking forward to some respite and joy and comfort, and for once not being the only responsible adults in the building.

You’ve missed your families, you’ve worried about money, you’ve worked and you’ve home educated, and you’ve pushed yourselves to the limit. It’s ok to be sad and disappointed and worried. Breathe and acknowledge your own feelings.

Let those feelings sit alongside you whilst you keep on keeping on. Good luck.

I wrote this yesterday for A Thing and it feels like it might be useful to share x