This article suggests a variety of books (including coloring books) that can help children understand Covid-19, manage worries, understand and cope with changes (like not being able to visit elderly relatives), feel empowered, and learn to wear a mask.https://nhfv.org/…/family-and-childrens-books-related-to-c…/
It’s important to help kids become comfortable wearing masks as well as interacting with others who have masks on. Here are some suggestions that might be helpful.https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/coronavirus-masks.html
We could all use a fort these days. Check out this article for why they’re especially important for kids right now. Creating a fort would be a great use of time during this long weekend! https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/may/24/why-kids-love-building-forts-and-why-experts-say-t/
This fact sheets “helps high school and college students understand how economic difficulties may affect them and provides suggestions on how they can cope during these uncertain times. https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/fact-sheet/coping_in_hard_times_youth.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0dmEjk6YV8BgWIybHgEz8eDz0UVhHbfpt-ja2nOdLt-vtQusOvgb50tfo
As we continue to focus on supporting quarantined teens today, here’s some information that can be useful in helping them to manage the anxiety they (and each of us) are feeling. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/11/well/family/coronavirus-teenagers-anxiety.html?fbclid=IwAR3cej7ccRGAJ8ogXMvLJPYVz9N-0NYbpApx44NY0m5Vl3mMqhiaS47iaFE
Empathizing with their feelings, making space for relief, allowing time for connecting socially through digital media, be considerate of requests for alone time, and engaging their help in problem-solving family needs can go a long way in helping teens during the shelter in place. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/well/family/coronavirus-covid-teenagers-teens-parents-kids-family-advice.html?fbclid=IwAR3nxAfdVGJQcaGRzqL2qGrszct2eLR1DuzyiarLVm8hL0FELrZ6ZAnWD2s
Make time for a simple mindfulness break today. https://www.mindful.org/a-simple-breathing-practice-to-kee…/
Mindfulness strategy: https://www.npr.org/2020/02/03/802347757/a-conversation-with-tara-brach-mindfulness-tools-for-big-feelings?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR2TNDR_1wirwGtC7rVargtBgzRvsAD_qi-xHriWgp7r9FJltQUd_iC6Rt0
A simple way to calm those anxious thoughts. https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/self-talk-exercises?fbclid=IwAR1snxFgBA9n0VcPO74TMldgm2SASVuCgrvH-MSiE-Js23sU-Mh0fDbZCY4#1
I find that many students who have been diagnosed with ODD actually have some type of anxiety disorder. Consequences for behaviors viewed as willful and within their control, then make their anxiety–and their behavior–worse. When behaviors stem from anxiety, the underlying anxiety must be addressed in order for those behaviors to improve. Read the full …