Mental Health and Reentry to School August 26

Mental Health and Re-entry to School August 26, 2020 Ms. Magda Bukala Dr. Sivan Erstein Dr. Yeddi Park Dr. Jeanne Rolih

Who we are. Where we are.

School WILL look different • Discuss new rules or practices at school. • Talk about them now, before school starts. Especially with your younger children. • Talk with your child about how school will look

Continuing to decrease the stigma • It is okay to ask for help if you need it. • We are available for kids who are having a tough time, but also for parents who may have concerns.

Talk to your child if he/she is anxious about school. • Recognize that they are afraid • Have honest conversations. • Early middle school children will be vocal with questions about whether they will be safe at school. • Older teens are able to discuss issues in a more indepth fashion.

Keep explanations age-appropriate • Find out what they are afraid about. • Answer their questions • Remind them what the school is going to do to keep students and teachers safe and what rules you’re going to follow as a • Minimize exposure to news and media outlets for younger students. Older teens may need help sifting through information that is credible, fact-based, and helpful. It is important for this age group to have the appropriate knowledge, resources, and support that can help them feel a sense of control.

Anticipate behavior changes • Anticipate some behavior changes in your child especially during the transition back to school. • Many kids will be over tired which can lead to irritability and increased levels of anxiety. Its normal to be slightly nervous about the return to school.

Ways to help a manage anxiety during the transition back to school. • Normalize anxiety • Shift the spotlight • Encourage distractions • Maintain healthy routines • Parents, manage your own anxiety

Practice Bravery • “I would love you to take a walk with me outside. I know that the streets are safe and that it’s okay to walk outside. ” • “I would love you to ride your bike outside. I feel the streets are fine. ” • Reinforce these behaviors.

When should you be concerned? • Watch for changes like EXCESSIVE crying or irritation, EXCESSIVE worry or sadness, unhealthy eating or sleeping habits, or difficulty concentrating. • If you are worried about your child’s anxiety level, reach out to us.

RESILIENCE

SELF-CARE

Compassion Fatigue

TOOLS IN THE TOOLBOX • Deep breathing & Mindfulness (Safe in the body) • Connect, Relate and Cope (Safe in Relationships) • Avoid sedentary life-style • Healthy boundaries • Recognize negativity bias hard wired in to our DNA (Do something enjoyable every day) • Practice empathy and kindness

RIDE THE WAVES

PROVIDE EMOTIONAL GUIDANCE

Preparing at Home for Re -entry to School • Practice safety guidelines: • Wearing masks (pick out cool, comfortable masks); compliment them and praise them for wearing the masks; model the appropriate behavior by wearing masks yourself • Temperature taken each day

Preparing at Home for Re -entry to School • Create a work space for your child in the home • for homework and/or remote learning • Try to remove as many distractions from the work space as possible • Have students participate in getting school supplies and picking out items they prefer

Establishing Healthy Routines • Set daily routines with your child which include both academic and fun activities • write it out or set alarms to facilitate transitions • have your child help with setting up schedule • Program in movement breaks every 20 -30 minutes for younger students or 45 -60 minutes for older students • Adjust bedtime/ wake up time • shut off electronics earlier each night, earlier alarm each morning • Reinforce adherence to the schedule • Positive reinforcement: • Acknowledge your child for following daily routines and transition back to school • Home reinforcement plan if needed

Q&A