Easier said than done, right? We want to remind you to take deep breaths and try to be patient. There is a reason that we are feeling tired and drained even if we are actually doing less. This is often considered "brain fog."

There is scientific proof that the “brain fog” most of us are experiencing is linked to the constant stress we are currently under. It is called “allostatic load” and is defined as "the wear and tear on the body" which accumulates as an individual is exposed to repeated or chronic stress.

Nancy Sin, assistant professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia, explains that in stressful situations like this, there are physiological responses in our bodies.

“Our stress hormones increase. We prepare to fight or flee,” said Sin.

And as this pandemic continues and isolation drags on, “we’re having a lot of these physiological adaptations, each time we feel stressed, each time we feel worried. And over time, these repeated hits, physiologically and psychologically, can accumulate.”

For more read the full article above.

Even though the expectation is that your child will continue with school work, some times are better than others. Taking frequent breaks while working is so important for both students and those working with them - in this case YOU! It will help you to be more patient with each other and the school work.

A common strategy that we use at school is the “first/then” approach.

For example, if your child wants to do a fun activity you can say,

“Finish 2 more math problems and then you can.”

Sometimes compromise and flexibility

is the key!

Each week we will focus on supports for a specific age group. This week our focus is on the middle years. Here are a few ideas to help support this group both socially and emotionally.