I expect a lot of people are having strong or conflicted feelings right now!! That's okay :) ALL feelings are okay--we just have to know what to do with them!
I want to pass along some resources and some reassurance (I need it--maybe someone out there does, too!)
A few resources...
Resources to talk with kids about Coronavirus:
-Child Mind Institute-Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus: https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/
-National Association of School Psychologists- Talking to Children About COVID-19: A Parent Resource: https://go.aws/2w0daHv
-15 ways to help kids who are worried about the Coronavirus: https://www.counselorkeri.com/2020/03/14/talk-to-kids-about-coronavirus/
-Simple strategies to help kids manage big feelings: https://www.mother.ly/child/6-simple-steps-to-help-your-small-child-manage-their-big-feelings
A little reassurance...
We can do this! As a mom I have my doubts about being a teacher to my kid while working from home, as a counselor I have doubts about my ability to best support my school kiddos and families without being able to look them in the eyes, and as a person I have doubts about staying home for weeks at a time without going crazy!!
Here are my little pearls of "wisdom"
*A counselor friend of mine once said, "Be a thermostat, not a thermometer." It's been one of my parenting mantras ever since. When I get frustrated with my kiddo, I take a deep breath and try to stay at the emotional level I WANT him to be rather than joining him at the level he is currently.
*Another friend of mine pointed out recently that we are not separating from each other out of fear, but rather out of love. Spending this time apart IS a way of caring for my students and their families. The time apart is necessary in order to have more time together later--a lesson on patience/delayed gratification :)
*I'm going to use this time as an opportunity to connect with people in other ways. I'd like to write more letters and call more friends. I'd also like to take a minute to breathe deep and practice slowing down and enjoying time to myself. It's a good reminder that it's important to slow down sometimes!
Families--if you are needing support, I will be checking my email regularly during our time away from each other (NOT March 21-29). I'm looking forward to seeing you and your students in person again, soon!! Until then-- take care.