Family Wellness Information
King Philip, Norfolk, Plainville & Wrentham Schools, 12/2022
Winter Break
At this time of year when glitter and lights abound, it is critical to understand that not everyone is celebrating a holiday, or even the same holiday; and that some may be excited for family celebrations; while others may be experiencing grief, anxiety, hardship, or loneliness. This newsletter includes resources for managing stress, accessing resources, and choosing healthy activities.
Wishing all a wonderful school vacation week, and peace and joy throughout the season! Stay safe and take care.
Ten Helpful Ways You Can Manage Family Stress During the Holidays
For those who celebrate holidays this month, Families for Depression Awareness shares 10 ways to manage family stress:
- Talk in advance to set expectations around gift-giving
- Be selective about activities and do what matters to you most
- Have a game plan for stressful moments
- Be aware of tendency to revert to old patterns of behavior
- Set and enforce boundaries for family members who display toxic behaviors
- Give yourself time to grief and remember those you have lost
- Practice gratitude
- Replenish your body by making sleep, hydration and outdoor time priorities
- Disconnect from screens and connect with others
- Identify a lifeline to call when you feel stressed
For tips and conversation starters to help you practice these ten ways, see the full article.
Ten Helpful Ways You Can Manage Family Stress During the HolidaysSeeking Help During Holiday Breaks
During the holiday break and throughout the year, there are resources to support you and your children. Reach out to pediatrician or family physician's office for direction or referral. If you or your child is already connected to a mental health provider, checking in with them may be helpful.
Interface Referral Services through William James College is available to families of children in the King Philip, Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham Schools seeking outpatient mental health and wellness resources. A mental health professional will resource and referral helpline will facilitate matched outpatient services. Information at link below.
Helplines provide support whenever someone is in distress:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988
- Disaster Distress Helpline: Call (800) 985-5990, Text TalkWithUs to 66746
- Chat with Lifeline Crisis Textline: Text TALK to 741741
- Trevor Project Lifeline: (866) 488-7386 (crisis support for LGBTQ youth)
Riverside Emergency Services (24/7 crisis intervention)
Riverside is the state Emergency Service Provider for this area. Youth Emergency Services team provides services to children (under 21) who are experiencing a behavior health crisis with mobile, face-to-face response when possible. 781-769-8674 or 800 529-507
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.
Parent/Caregiver Supports
PPAL, the Parent/Professional Advocacy League Groups
PPAL's Canton office has added additional support groups for caregivers raising children with mental health needs including:
- Evening Portuguese language support group for caregivers
- Current lunch time and evening group for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
- Morning group for parents and caregivers Raising Children in Grades K-8
For these and other resources for caregivers raising children with mental health needs, visit www.PPAL.net, or email CantonParentSupport@PPAL.net.
Parents Helping Parents
Parental Stress Hotline 1-800-632-8188 24/7 Confidential & Anonymous
Parents Helping Parents website - resources and information on support groups for parents/caregivers with varying needs.
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Support Group Flyers: Click for more information
Staying Warm this Winter - Energy Assistance
The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development is now accepting applications as part of the annual Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Must meet eligibility requirements to qualify for aid which is paid directly to the heating vendor. Applications accepted on-line at https://bit.ly/3AMCZcj at this time, and income-eligible households may receive assistance from now through April 28, 2023.
Healthy Activities for the Vacation Week
Looking for healthy things to do with children over the vacation week and throughout December, check out Community Kangaroo. Created by Moms living in the west and southwest of Boston. Community Kangaroo allows you to search by town and region for listings of area events, sledding locations, light displays and more.
The Family Wellness Resources Website has some ideas for hikes and other outdoor activities, and the local libraries have museum passes to help defray visits to Boston area museums and parks.
Opportunity for Student Voice and Creativity to Promote Caring for the Wellness of Our Earth
Mass Partnerships for Youth is sponsoring a Poster and PSA Project contest for students in elementary through high school. For details on ideas, rules and submission, Link
National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
Did you know...?
On the 2021 Metro West Adolescent Behavior Survey,
- 96% of KPHS students said did not ride in a car with a high school driver who had been drinking.
- 92% of KPHS students said they did not ride in a car with a high school student who had been using marijuana.
This is promising data; however, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that
- 30% of traffic fatalities in the US involved a driver with alcohol impairment.
- Of drivers killed or seriously impaired, 56% tested positive for at least one drug.
The holidays are a time of celebration, and unfortunately, this is also a time of possible traffic incidences involving substance use. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is observing National Impaired Driving Month to raise awareness.
They share tips for staying safe for all of us:
If you are at an event where alcohol or other substances are available, plan for a safe evening and ride home in advance.
- Designate a designated driver, or arrange a taxi/ride share.
Don't let someone under the influence drive.
- Take their keys, arrange a ride with a sober driver, or have them stay overnight.
If you're the host and will be serving alcohol, expect that guests will plan for a safe return home.
- Serve food and substance free beverages.
- Ensure that guests leave with a sober driver.
Always wear seat belts.
Report drivers who appear impaired on the road.
Lastly, in addition to modeling safe decisions for your children, it's never too early to talk about impaired driving. Impaired Driving: Talk to Your Kids
Did you know about Healthy KP Substance Use Coalition?
This is a community coalition with the mission to empower the greater KP community to live a healthy substance free life through youth leadership, education, training, policy and support. Parents/caregivers with children at all grade levels and community members are welcome to attend meetings and get involved. Next meeting is Wednesday, January 18, 2022 at KPHS Library. For information, kawaso@kingphilip.org.
Family Friendly COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics Offering Gift Cards
A $75. gift card will be offered to Massachusetts residents (adult or child) who get vaccinated (first, second or booster dose) at specific clinic locations until Dec. 31, 2022, while supplies last. Gift cards are to local retailers in the community where the clinic is being held. Note that not all clinics will have gift cards. Closest clinics to this area are Attleboro, Brockton, Framingham, New Bedford, Randolph, Taunton and Webster.
Information (gift card program, clinic search/list and vaccine information)
King Philip, Norfolk, Plainville & Wrentham Schools Wellness
Regional Director of Wellness
Email: pearld@kingphilip.org
Website: https://sites.google.com/kingphilip.org/familywellnessresources/
Location: 18 King Street, Norfolk, MA, USA
Phone: 508 520-7991