Home with the kids...now what?
Social/Emotional Tips & Resources for Families April 20 #1
Hello et Bonjour!
For all families staying, working, teaching and caring at home, there must be moments...some tough, loving, chaotic, worrying, fun and tiring I am sure.
The tips and resources included might be helpful to you and us (we are in this together) as we make our way through our day. There will be tips on anxiety, stress, fun activities, video clips, and resources.
Stay safe and well.
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.
Dear Parents and Caregivers:
the go to b.c.government sites for updated information on virtual learning for parents and staff, plus COVid Support below
click above...a feel good. Patience!
linda campbell
elementary counsellor
