"Every family is different, but my first message would be to think about your own children's needs," Dr Johnson said.

"Consider their strengths and their vulnerabilities.

"A parent has to show a quality to their children that portrays that we have solutions and we will get through."

The power of listening and asking the right questions is key.

"While it is important to ask questions, it's important to give children time to also not speak about things if they don't want to," Dr Johnson said.

"Simply ask, 'are you okay?'"

"If children can say more, they do, and if not, just be happy with that."

Shopping centres and cinemas are traditionally abuzz during school holidays, but this Easter break will be vastly different.

Dr Johnson said distraction and creativity are more important than ever.

"Distraction is good, particularly if you are distracting on purpose," Dr Johnson said.

"If that can be something useful or create, even better."

Leaning on social media more than usual is not necessarily a bad thing, according to Dr Johnson.

"We all distract ourselves by watching something mindless, but we know it's sometimes better if we do something creative," he said.

"Children know their social media, they're the experts."

Self isolation and distancing will change how people interact with family and friends, particularly at Easter.

"We may have a couple of periods where a family or child need to be isolated," he said.

"We might have to get used to this and it will be seen as the new normal for a period of time.

Every level of Bendigo Health's mental health service is adjusting, while maintaining its work in the community.

"For work in Swan Hill, Echuca, Castlemaine and Kyneton, I'm well used to video conferencing and even with emergency patients in Maryborough," Dr Johnson said.

His parting message is one of solidarity.

"If we stay strong as mum's and dad's, that's the best we can do for our kids."