What children seem to be describing during this surreal time is what adults might call claustrophobia. I am not sure about you, but when I think about claustrophobia, I feel fear. Fear of being trapped with no means of escape. Your heart rate may even increase, and you may feel helpless. This having been noted, I wonder if it would be useful for us as adults to provide children with some coping skills or escape keys (away from screen time).

Sit with children in the garden and think up the most fantastical and imaginative stories together. What could be better than co-creating a fantasy about mystical animals, of fairy’s and magical lands. 

Also, spend time with children listening to nature. Bring nature into your home. Cut up flowers (not frogs) and look what is inside. Have a competition to see who can find the most beautiful leaves and who can spot the creepiest looking insect (photograph not capture). If you do not have a garden, visit the park during the time permitted or download sounds of nature and visualise what you are listening to. Who knows, you may help a young Roald Dahl or Picasso to emerge.

Image Credit: escape from work dribbble by Alfrey Davilla