Greetings, Valley View Community,
We know you are being inundated with news of the novel coronavirus. Fear, uncertainty, and anxiety are bound to be heightened during this time and we want to offer a few tips as we weather this situation as a community, followed by a list of links to resources if you want more information on how to talk to your kids and ways to engage them.
The following are general tips for addressing feelings of fear or anxiety with your children.
Model Calmness
Children are perceptive and sensitive. Send a clear message through your body language that there is no need to panic or worry.
Maintain Normalcy
Try to keep structure and routines as much as possible.
Actively Listen
Ask questions. Be non-judgmental. Show an interest in your child's thoughts and feelings.
Validate Feelings
Acknowledge your child's feelings; don't dismiss them. However, avoid excessively reassuring your child as well.
Just Be
Encourage your child to practice sitting with and experiencing anxiety, rather than doing something to relieve it or distract from it. Normalize the feeling of anxiety. These feelings are a wave that they can ride.
Practice Relaxation
Feel calmer and practice being in the present moment.
These are amazing apps for mindfulness and meditation: Calm and Headspace.
We are all adjusting to these challenges and disruptions to our lives. We hope these tools empower you. Please take a moment to purposefully take time to check in with your child and their level of fear or anxiety.
Best,
-Paula Perry, School Counselor
Below are some resources you might find helpful as well:
What is COVID-19 and how to talk to kids:
Free book: Explaining Covid-19
SAMSHA: Talking tips for parents and teachers during an infectious disease outbreak
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NZm2hTAjFv487Mkr2Lfcv-ff9ameG02p/view
NASP: Talking to children about Covid-19
What is Covid-19
PBS for Parents - How to de-stress during Coronavirus:
https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-you-and-your-kids-can-de-stress-during-coronavirus
Navigating Anxiety in Uncertain Times
https://slumberkins.com/blogs/slumberkins-blog/navigating-anxiety-in-uncertain-times
SAMSHA: Coping with stress during an infectious disease outbreak
https://store.samhsa.gov/system/files/sma14-4885.pdf
Stress Relief skill building and ideas for Self Care
Activities to help with time at home:
My kid’s school is closed, so now what?
https://confidentparentsconfidentkids.org/2020/03/13/my-kids-school-is-closed-so-now-what/
Slumberkins Resource Guide:
https://slumberkins.com/pages/resource-guides
Fun Card Games
http://www.homegrownlearners.com/home/fun-card-games-for-kids
Watch the Opera
https://www.vulture.com/news/metropolitan-opera/
Virtual Museum Tours
https://www.parents.com/syndication/museums-with-virtual-tours/
Watch Seattle Symphony
https://www.Seattlesymphony.org
Science Resources
Art Lessons
https://m.facebook.com/287930888343372/posts/852540938549028
Scholastic Learn at Home
Drawing Tutorials for Kids
https://www.artforkidshub.com/
Podcast: Reading Bug Adventures
https://www.artforkidshub.com/
Podcast: The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian
CIncinnati Zoo: Daily Animal Activity
Kids Yoga
https://awakeandmindful.com/best-kids-yoga-videos-on-youtube/
Roaring Readers!
Roaring Readers has been extended at this time. Take this time to get your 600 minutes in for a Roaring Springs Pass!
NASA Videos
https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html
Khan Academy Math
PBS Kids!
Other Resources:
Food pantries and local resources - just plug in your address and the closest food pantries will be located for you https://idahofoodbank.org/getfood/
Self-Rescue Manual - The Self-Rescue Manual contains local resources, counseling supports and much more. https://selfrescuemanual.com/