The Kids are Home... Now What?
Social/Emotional Tips and Resources for Families April 20
Hello Everyone
My name is Linda Campbell, and I have worked in the past as an elementary and secondary school counsellor. My school is Ecole FrancoNord, sd93, in Prince George. I just started back helping with this challenging time we all find ourselves in. And for all of you staying, working, teaching and caring at home, it must have it's moments! Tough, loving, chaotic, worrying and tiring I am sure. This flyer can be translated into French and other languages and have larger font: see the top of the flyer.
I am going to be sending out items I find that might be helpful to you and us (we are in this together) as you make your way throughout your day mostly at home. But I found some nice parks for you to go to and take the kids! There will be tips on anxiety, stress, fun activities, video clips, and resources to turn to in Prince George and online.
Please send me items for the flyer that can help others. I would like that. My email is lindacampbellsel@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Linda Campbell
Resources and Tips for Families Dealing with the COVID19 Virus
For Parents and Caregivers
- Pay close attention to your own feelings of stress or anxiety.Practice continued self-care strategies, including eating healthy, getting enough sleep, exercising, and finding time to take break
- Acknowledge and support children in processing their full range of emotions and concerns, while offering calm and reassurance. Tune into how they’re feeling throughout the day, and offer quiet time or breaks as needed.
- Provide age-appropriate information and accurate answers about the news while limiting excessive television or social media.
- Share with children what you’re doing to keep them safe. Help children learn about and practice proactive strategies, such as frequent handwashing, to stay healthy.
- Whenever possible, provide consistency in daily routines including meals and bedtimes. While school closures or changes in schedules may be inevitable, consistent routines can help foster a sense of safety.
- Practice patience when routines are necessarily disrupted, which can lead to potential behavior issues or meltdowns. Try to comfort children while setting boundaries.This is also an opportunity to create new schedules and routines that promote family time and healthy practices, such as taking a morning walk together, creating a “coping kit”, or adding favorite family songs to handwashing routines.
- Help children and adolescents think of creative ways to maintain their friendships and social connections. This may include writing emails or letters to friends, or scheduling time to use the phone or age-appropriate technology to communicate with peers. Remember that your own social connections are important as well, and make time to reach out by phone or virtually to family and friends.
- Come up with fun alternatives to show signs of affection while minimizing the spread of germs. For example, elbow bumps or footshakes.
- Proactively reach out to schools and community organizations to support you in meeting any additional needs your family may have, such as access to meals or support services.
Extra Late notice -Sign up now for a webinar for tomorrow - Friday!
Jennifer Miller will discuss how you can plan ahead for big feelings — your children’s and your own; how you can set up your home for learning success; how to facilitate social connection in a physical distancing world, and how to turn it around when stress gets the best of us and things go sideways. Sign up here!
the go to government sites for updated information on virtual learning for parents and staff, plus COVid Support below
linda campbell
Email: lindacampbellsel@gmail.com
Location: École Franco-Nord, Ellison Drive, Prince George, BC, Canada
Phone: 250 961 9260