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From The Director

This week most State Governors announced that schools will remain close for the rest of the academic year. This unprecedent event along with the increase conversation around the Coronavirus can cause worry and anxiety in children.

Helping children cope with anxiety requires providing accurate prevention information and facts without causing undue alarm. Remember our children are looking to us for cues about their uncertain world.

Here are some tips for talking to children about COVID-19.

• Remain calm and reassuring: Children react to what you say and how you say it.

• Make time to talk: Encourage your children to come to you with their questions and concerns.

• Monitor what children see or hear on television, radio, and online: Limit the amount of screen time focused on COVID-19. Too much information on the topic can cause anxiety in children (and adults).

• Provide honest and accurate information: Give children information that is truthful and appropriate for their age and developmental level.

• Teach children healthy habits to help protect against the spread of germs: To Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing the “ABC Song” To Cough or sneeze into a tissue or elbow To Keep your hands out of your mouth, nose, and eyes To Stay away from people who are coughing, sneezing, or sick

• Maintain a normal routine to the extent possible: Establish a scheduled time for children to do schoolwork, read, and get physical activity.

Practice Self-Care During Stressful Times

If you have been feeling anxious, overwhelmed, sad or moody these past few weeks, you are definitely not alone. The emotional toll of the Coronavirus pandemic and its impact on our social connections, finances, and everyday life has all of us feeling out-of-sorts. However, it is important that we take care of our emotional health during this time. Taking care of yourself will help you think more clearly, stay calmer, and better care for your family. Here are some ways that you can practice self-care.

• Take care of your body – Try to eat healthy well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.

• Connect with others – Use social media platforms such as FaceTime, Skype and Zoom to connect with family friends. Just because you are staying at home and practicing social distancing does not mean you should isolate yourself from your support system.

• Take breaks – Make time to unwind. Try to do activities you usually enjoy, like gardening or reading; or take up a new hobby or interest.

• Limit your news consumption – Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly. Try to do enjoyable activities and return to normal life as much as possible and check for updates between breaks.

• Seek help when needed – If distress impacts activities of your daily life for several days or weeks seek help. Talk to a clergy member, counselor, or doctor.