Resources for Parents

As we are hearing more about how to stay physically safe from Coronavirus and other illnesses, we would like to address the mental health needs that you may be seeing or feeling surrounding this topic.  The constant conversations and media coverage can be distracting and overwhelming.  You may notice a wide range of reactions to what is being reported, from excitement to potential changes in schedules to fear and anxiety of the unknown.  Here are some common recommendations to follow:

  • Allow room for questions

  • Stick to facts

  • Allow time away from the topic by limiting access to news coverage/conversations

  • Continue to follow normal routines

  • Focus on what can be controlled (i.e. social distancing, hand washing)

  • Model self-care (eat healthy meals, sleep well, exercise and take deep breaths to handle stress)

  • Encourage positive activities

  • Let students know who, when and where they can go if they need to talk or need a break

  • Listen and validate feelings

REMINDER:

  • Spectrum Internet Assist with speeds up to 30 Mbps--New Spectrum customers with at least one recipient of certain public assistance programs in the household cost is $14.99/mo.

  • Comcast Xfinity-Internet Essentials package with speeds up to 25 Mbps--New Xfinity customers who are eligible for public assistance programs cost is $9.95/mo.

 NY Project Hope "NY Project Hope helps New Yorkers understand their reaction and emotions during  COVID-19. Through an emotional support helpline, educational materials, and trusted referrals, NY Project Hope helps people manage and cope with changes brought on by COVID-19.

Project Hope Crisis Counselors understand what you are going through. Talking to them is free, confidential, and anonymous. Talk to someone who is trained, knowledgeable and never judges. Sometimes it helps to talk with someone you don’t know."
Emotional Support Helpline: 1-844-863-9314

• How Do You Talk to Children About Coronavirus? Stay Honest and Simple to Avoid Anxiety.
Gene Myers NorthJersey.com, USA Today, Feb. 28, 2020
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/02/28/talking-children-coronavirus-keep-simple-avoid-stress/4906147002/

• How to Talk to Your Kids About the Coronavirus (and Ease Their Fears)
Vivian Manning-Schaffel, NBC News, Updated March 2, 2020
https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/how-talk-your-kids-about-coronavirus-ease-their-fears-ncna1129851

 The CDC has extensive resources available regarding coronavirus.

How to Reduce Youth Pandemic Anxiety