Notice changes in your child’s behavior?

• Build a schedule (step by step guide on how to create a routine with pictures). It’s important to stick to routines because predictability helps kids regulate. A schedule can help reduce stress and challenging behaviors. It helps kids know what is coming next. Work on a schedule together and add fun activities throughout the day.

• Try positive affirmations (cards that can be printed and used with kids). Affirmations can help remind kids to stay in a positive mindset and to challenge and work past negative thoughts. Choose or create your own in the morning and check in about it throughout the day.

• Practice gratitude and focus on the good together. Encourage each other to recognize and acknowledge positive experiences. Keep a gratitude journal as a family or have a special time to discuss what you are thankful for at dinner, bedtime, or another time.

Notice your child’s lack of engagement and/or motivation?

• Create a rewards system (guide to creating a system at home). A positive reinforcement system (rewards) can help support motivation and increase engagement. Create a system with your child and discuss the expectations/ rewards together.

• Positive ways to acknowledge kids (examples of positive acknowledgements for kids). Verbal praise can go a long way.

• Labeling emotions with kids can help them understand what’s needed to stay focused. Sometimes kids have a hard time staying on task because they are feeling worried or anxious. If they know how they are feeling, they can try to address the emotion so they can refocus.

Notice your child having strong feelings and/or need support to help your child with feelings management?

• Feelings check in activity is a great way to start a conversation about feelings with your child

• Feeling anxious and worried:

  • Worry Cup activity to help with worries and anxiety.

  • Helping Children Cope with pandemic (article on ways to support your child specifically around COVID19). Do you notice your child feeling worried, nervous or anxious about Covid19? Share enough information with your child about what is happening. Discuss feelings/thoughts together and help your child find ways to feel less worried (ex: practice mindfulness together, playing board games, reading together, doing puzzles etc.).

Feeling sad, losing interest in activities they enjoyed or changes in sleep patterns?

• • Encourage your child to stay active: engage in fun activities that will give them feelings of accomplishment and/or social connections daily. Remember to include these activities in their daily schedule.

  • Help your child to avoid exaggerating or obsessing on the ‘negatives’; Model and remind them of daily positives. Practice mindfulness together and focus on gratitude. Help your child recognize and challenge negative thinking patterns.

  • Here’s an article on signs of depression and ways to support your child.

  • If your child continues to show symptoms of depression and you are concerned, it’s important to seek professional help.

Do you notice your child feeling frustrated, irritable or angry?

• • Recognize their frustration, irritability and/or angry feelings. Ask your child to share what is making them feel this way. Are they frustrated because they can’t see their friends? Frustrated with changes? Are they feeling worried and anxious about what’s happening? Acknowledge your child’s feelings and reason. Reassure them that you’re their support and identify things that can help them feel better (ex: practice mindfulness together, reading, taking a break, playing outside for a few minutes, etc.).

  • Create a calm down area with a calm down kit (calm down kit items can include: crayons, notepad, playdoh, stuffy, book, squishy toy, etc.).

  • Keeping Calm Activity you can do with your child to find ways to calm down.

Need to make social connections?

• Schedule a virtual playdate: use Zoom, Google Meets, Facetime etc.

  • Activities for virtual playdates: Would you rather questions?, Paint, Draw, Read out loud together, Book Club, Pictionary, Board games (there are online games you can play together like Caribu or checkers)

• Virtual Study buddies: take turns hosting study sessions for kids to do their work together and help each other

• Play family games together

• Video calls with family members

• Tips for parents to connect

  • Reach out to your schools PTA to connect with other families

  • Set up recess/ lunch dates with other students during the week