Family Resources

We know that students are feeling anxious about Coronavirus and what it means for them. When you are talking with children/students:

• Remind them that the best way to stay healthy is to wash their hands regularly and especially before they eat and to avoid touching their eyes, noses, and mouths
• Validate children’s/student’s feelings and answer questions with facts
• Help students to manage their feelings and focus on the present moment with mindfulness exercises and breathing strategies to help children cope. Some strategies to consider:
  • Mindful minute - a minute of silent time where children/students are guided through breathing out and in
  • A focus on breathing through exercises like, 5 Finger Breathing, Triangle, Square and Star breathing
  • Movement

We have compiled some great resources on how to talk to children/students and how to reduce their anxiety levels. Included among these resources are the following:

What is Coronavirus? (Brain PoP)

Just for Kids – Explaining Coronavirus (NPR)

Talking to Children about Coronavirus (NASPONLINE)

Coping with Stress During an Infectious Disease Outbreak (SAMHSA)

Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus (Child Mind Institute)

Talking to Teens About the Coronavirus (NY Times)

Talking to Children About COVID-19: A Parent Resource (National Association of School Psychologists)

 

As always, if you have any questions or specific concerns about your child(ren), please contact their school counselor directly. We are here to support you.