Counselor Corner
Connecting Yorkshire Parents to Resources
Daily Routine
Now that we've got a few days of Forward Learning under our belt, I wanted to remind you of the benefits of daily routine for children (and adults).
Kids thrive on routine and predictability in order to feel safe, and this is especially important during a time of crisis. For this uncertain time, it is important to create order, with some flexibility, in your days as soon as possible. Some helpful tips include:
- Set up a scheduled that involves regular times for bathing, eating, schoolwork/learning activities, and socializing.
- Maintain a set time for going to sleep, and the same bedtime routine your kids are used to. There is room for some flexibility - but a general structure and flow to the day that kids can expect will help both you and your children.
- Focus on schoolwork in reasonable increments. Get guidance from your teacher regarding how much time is expected to be dedicated to schoolwork. Beyond schoolwork, children learn a lot through playing, doing hands-on projects, baking, playing board games, going for a walk and noticing nature, digging in the yard, building legos, etc.
- Build in time to let off steam. This is a stressful time for everyone - nobody is used to this! So get outside, play games, have a dance party, whatever you need to do in order to let it out!
- Cut your kids some slack - this is a time to practice giving your kids some grace. No one is perfect, and there are bound to be difficult times ahead. Ignore that you can ignore, and address those behaviors in which you really need to intervene.
- Everyone will need space - you will need space from your kids, and they will need space from you. If you can create pockets of the day for alone/quiet/independent time, please do.
- Get outside if possible - fresh air can do wonders!
- If you are working from home, relax your standards. We have to find ways to make this work. Perhaps this means allowing more screen time than usual, accepting that the house won't be as clean as you like, or making dinner more basic so you don't have to stress about prep or cleanup. You have work to do and that is going to be very challenging with your kids at home. So as we are allowing our kids additional grace, allow yourself grace to let some things go, within reason.
- Kids like to feel that they have an important role. Help them understand that this is an unusual time, an we all need to pitch in to get through it. If they don't have chores, this is a great time to start. Make them a daily part of their routine and let them know they are helping the family by pitching in.
- Find ways to make special memories. Take this time to make memories with your kids that they will look back on and remember during this time. Do something to acknowledge that this time is different, to allow a new, special tradition to take root in your child's mind.
4 Bee Rules at Home
You can teach your child to show the 4 Bee Rules at home through the following ideas:
Be RESPONSIBLE
Create a work area at home
Know your class meeting time
Be on time for class
Be ready with supplies
Chromebook/computer
Pencil and paper
Be a WORKER
Be awake and ready for class
Focus on the teacher/speaker
Show whole body listening
Follow teacher directions
Participate in class activities
Ask for help and keep trying
Be RESPECTFUL
“Mute” your screen during class
Raise your hand to speak
Wait your turn “Unmute” to speak
Control your body and your face
Show a positive attitude
Show good manners
Be a FRIEND
Smile and be friendly
Be kind and think of others
Take turns and share
Be helpful and show you care
Use nice words to give a compliment
Help with Food and Basic Necessities
Use this link to the Impact Foundation COVID-19 page where you can learn about how to get help with food and basic household necessities.
Mental Health and Community Resources
York County Crisis Intervention: York Hospital (717) 851-5320 or 1-800-673-2496
- Wellspan/Philhaven 717-632-4900
Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: 1-888-628-9454
Crisis Text Line: Text “PA” to 741-741
Veteran Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
Get Help Now Hotline (for substance use disorders): 1-800-662-4357
Pennsylvania Sexual Assault Helpline – 1-888-772-7227
National Domestic Violence Helpline – 1-800-799-7233
Childline (for suspected child abuse/neglect) - 1-800-932-0313
MH/MR - 1-717-741-9618
Olivia’s House (for grieving children and families) - 1-717-699-1133
FIRST (free information and referral system) - 1-717-755-1000
York Food Bank - 717-846-6435
Mrs. Forney, School Counselor
Email: cforney@yssd.org
Website: yssd.org
Phone: (717) 885.1230
Previously Supplied Resources
Helping Kids Who are Worried About Coronavirus by Counselor Keri
30 things to do for your emotional health
Ready for Anything by Keiko Kasza
Howard B Wigglebottom Learns it's OK to Back Away by Howard Binkow
When I'm Feeling Disappointed by Trace Moroney
I'm Bored by Michael Ian Black
When I feel sad **turn off volume and read this one to your child**
Care for Your Coronavirus Anxiety - Shine, Inc
Supporting Families During COVID19 - Child Mind Institute
COVID-19 Well Being Toolkit and Resources - Center for Healthy Minds
25 Mental Health Wellness Tips
PBS: How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus - Ideas for talking to your children and links to relevant clips from Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Sesame Street, Curious George and Super Why.
Time to Come in, Bear - Kidshealth.org offers this short video to help young children understand social distancing.