Worries...Grief...Stress...OH MY!

Try this Emotional Check-in Worksheet with your child to help connect with them emotionally during this difficult time.

*Strategies for helping children cope with stress or anxiety:  Worry Cup and Square Breathing

Practice Mindful Breathing for 5 minutes using this video.  

Check out this Coping Calendar and try to do an activity with your family each day.

Additional Parent Resources

*Video from AMITA Behavioral Health: “Parenting During A Period of Social Distancing: Promoting Emotional Wellness and Resiliency.” https://safeyoutube.net/w/Fes6
  
*NASP article- Parent tips/resources about Coronavirus:
https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-(coronavirus)-a-parent-resource

*Call4Calm- Illinois Department of Human Services Free  and Anonymous Support Line
         Speak with a mental health professional- text the word “TALK” or “HABLAR” (for Spanish speakers) to 552-020. Within 24 hours, that individual will receive a call from a mental health professional employed by a local community health center. People can also text other terms, like “unemployment” or “food” or “shelter” to the same number to receive information on how to navigate and access supports and services.

Lighthouse Emotional Wellness is providing virtual therapy sessions for individuals, couples, and families.

E-Learning Social Story

It may be difficult for children and parents to transition to home schooling.  Not seeing friends everyday, missing specials, and learning from parents instead of teachers.  The following SOCIAL STORY can help guide you through the e-learning process with your child.

Books for the MIND, BODY, and SOUL

Coping/Calming Strategies (Anxiety/Stress)

"Wemberly Worried" by Kevin Henkes

"The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn

"When My Worries Get Too Big!" by Karl Dunn Buron

"Listening to My Body" by Gabi Garcia

"Listening to My Heart" by Gabi Garcia

"David and the Worry Beast" by Anne Marie Guanci

"Don't Be Afraid to Drop" by Julia Cook

"Wilma Jean the Worry Machine" by Julia Cook

"The Color Monster:  A Story about Emotions" by Anna Llenas

"In My Heart:  A Book of Feelings" by Jo Witek

"A Little Spot of Anxiety:  A Story About Calming Your Worries" by Diane Alber

Friendship Skills

"The Rainbow Fish" by Marcus Pfister

"Making Friends is an Art" by Julia Cook

"Tease Monster" by Julia Cook

"Mean Jean the Recess Queen" by Alexis O'Neill

"How to be a Friend" by Laurie Krasny Brown

"The Judgmental Flower" by Julia Cook

"Bully B.E.A.N.S" by Julia Cook

Listening Skills

"What Should Danny Do? School Day (The Power to Choose Series) by Adir Levy and Ganit Levy? 
"What Were You Thinking?: Learning to Control Your Impulses (Executive Function)" by Bryan Smith and Lisa M. Griffin
"I Just Don't Like the Sound of No!" by Julia Cook

"My Mouth is a Volcano" by Julia Cook

"Whole Body Listening Larry at Home" by Kristen Wilson & Elizabeth Sautter

"Whole Body Listening Larry at School" by Elizabeth Sautter & Kristen Wilson

"Freddy the Fly Motormouth:  A Story about Learning to Listen" by Kimberly Delude

Into the Unknown... Coronavirus and Coping

As a parent of two young children, I have taken time to reflect on how to cope with being a mom, a homeschool teacher, and a "remote" social worker during this Corona virus crisis.  I have learned that I need to reduce the stress and battles I may experience with my own child when she says, "But that's not how my teacher does it!" What we need to focus on is taking care of our children, our families, and ourselves.  Remember the little things. Be present. Play a game. Make a fort. Play hide and seek. Watch a movie. Laugh. Make silly faces. Snuggle. Face time with family. Face time with friends. Draw pictures. Watch another movie. Enjoy a yummy treat. Bake brownies. And most of all, be there, support each other, and love each other. To me, that is the most important lesson of all.

The following article really helped me make sense of the stress, anxiety, fear, and isolation we are all experiencing during this time of crisis. 

Two University of Georgia education professors says that what is happening is not home schooling. It is not distance learning. It is not online schooling. let’s call this what it is: Covid-19 Schooling; or better yet, Teaching and Learning in Covid-19.