I read this great article from Psychology Today this morning about how video chatting is great, but can also be more exhausting than face-to-face communication. I've been totally feeling this and appreciated the validation and suggestions. Thought some of you might feel the same way! Here is the link to the article: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/deviced/202004/why-video-chats-are-wearing-us-out
"Boone County program offering free counseling amid COVID-19 outbreak"
Check out the article for more information: https://abc17news.com/news/coronavirus/2020/04/18/boone-county-program-offering-free-counseling-amid-covid-19-outbreak/ There are a lot of things happening right now that are just not "typical" for me. For example, as I try to work this morning, I am being attacked by a giant remote-controlled tarantula. When I allowed this toy to come home with us--loooooong before the stay at home order--I had no idea that it was so noisy. Or creepy. If I'm being honest, there have been a lot of random moments that have made me really emotional. A random thought about something I would be doing right now if we were at school, or a thought about a kiddo I miss, or... sometimes I'm not even sure why I'm feeling down!! If you are feeling that way, too, here are a few suggestions:
1. It's okay to feel down/sad/overwhelmed/whatever! And it's okay to take a little time out to regroup. :) Sometimes, your day won't follow it's schedule because you need something else that day. That's okay!!! 2. Breathe. I think people under rate this strategy! Give it a REAL chance. Try these steps: -Take a long, slow breath in through your nose, first filling your lower lungs, then your upper lungs. -Hold your breath to the count of "three." -Exhale slowly through pursed lips, while you relax the muscles in your face, jaw, shoulders, and stomach. 3. Focus on the positives. Make a list, talk them out with a friend, or just think over them in your head, but try to find some really specific moments from your day that were good and during which you felt happy. 4. Do something you enjoy! Get outside, read, craft, whatever! Take some time to do the things that you feel good doing :) 5. Positive self talk. If you tell yourself you can't do something--you are right. BUT if you tell yourself you CAN do something you are also right!! Train yourself to think positive thoughts, to believe in yourself, and to give yourself grace along the way. Instead of saying "I can't do it," tell yourself that you "can't do it YET." Hang in there everyone!! :) Although we aren't learning new curriculum right now, there are LOTS of life skills kids can be learning or practicing at home! People skills are really important for getting along with others now and in the future!
Below are some fun activities to reinforce the use of different manners. Others can be found at this website: https://www.childfun.com/themes/people/manners/ Nose Sneeze Activity (picture below) Cover Your Nose When You Sneeze Need: Paper plate Tissue (Kleenex) Construction paper Yarn for hair Whatever to make a face on the paper plate.Make a face on your paper plate. Trace hand on construction paper and cut out. Glue crumbled tissue over nose and then glue hand over tissue. Talk about covering our nose with tissue when we sneeze and saying excuse me. Role play or use puppets to act out times you might need to say: -please -thank you -excuse me -I'm sorry Friendship Manners Talk about and practice what to say or do in different friendship situations. -How to introduce yourself -Looking someone in the eyes when you talk to them -Waiting your turn -Sharing -Thanking someone for an invitation Phone/Video Call Manners -Smile -Sit up -Stay in one place (do not chase your cat :) ) -Listen -Wait your turn to talk -Don't do anything you wouldn't or shouldn't do in person (pick your nose, teeth, etc.) -Talk to people on the call--don't get distracted by people, animals, things in your house -Find a quiet spot for your call When I heard that school was cancelled for the rest of the year I cried. When I told my first grader he and I both cried together. Although this year is not a person, the loss of anticipated activities, time with friends, traditions, etc. is very real! We are not getting closure that some of us want and need and that can make this loss even harder to handle. Many of us are experiencing grief and it is totally normal!! Whatever you are feeling is okay.
There was a news segment on KOMU last night about how to talk to children about the Coronavirus and what's happening. Colleen Colander is an associate professor for the University of Missouri in the communications department. She specializes in family communication and how a child communicates with their relatives among other things. I've heard her speak and respect her work. You can watch the news segment here: https://www.komu.com/news/covid-19-town-hall-talking-to-your-children-about-the-virus Here is another article about helping children deal with grief. It references the loss of a person, but most of it can be adapted to this situation: https://childmind.org/article/helping-children-deal-grief/ If you or your child are struggling beyond what you feel like you can handle alone, there are still many mental health resources available in Columbia! MU Psychological Services are providing Telehealth services specifically for adults and children dealing with stress and anxiety related to the life and routine changes due to COVID-19: https://psychology.missouri.edu/psychological-services-clinic There are many other providers in CoMo still serving clients. You can search for them here: https://bocomoproviders.org/ Please remember--each person's experience and feelings are going to be different, but they are all valid and all okay. Give yourself and other grace. <3 And if you need support, please reach out!! Here's an article from the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation about 10 tips to maintain a routine of kindness during difficult times.
https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/newsletters/20200406?fbclid=IwAR3BXX5z0TtB6eUSgyvhtFxhR50UNJON7Lz-2b5WleiPYC5VFH_kR_dm-Ks The main points are: -Maintain a sleep schedule and manage your hygiene. -Do good for others! -Get outside -Connect with others -Spend a little extra time with your children and/or pets -Drink lots of water! Eat healthy -Develop a self-care plan for yourself. -Be kind. -Find a reason to smile every day. -Be grateful. |
PurposeDuring this time of learning away from school, I will use this page to share community resources, encouragement, and counseling mini lessons! Archives
October 2020
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