April 2020
Hello Families!
Hello Families!
As we work through these unprecedented times, I have talked with numerous parents and students about the various emotions we are all experiencing. As you notice your students process these emotions, here are a few tips to think about:
As we work through these unprecedented times, I have talked with numerous parents and students about the various emotions we are all experiencing. As you notice your students process these emotions, here are a few tips to think about:
· Acknowledge and identify the feeling: It is important for kids to acknowledge and understand the feeling they are having, and to name it. Is it anxiety, fear, grief, or something else? For some kids, all of these feelings might look like anger. Other kids may try to pretend there is no uncomfortable feeling at all. (And of course, some might really feel okay - in which case there is no need to introduce thoughts they are not already having). Talking with them to help them give more precise words for their emotions is helpful in learning to deal with them.
· Acknowledge and identify the feeling: It is important for kids to acknowledge and understand the feeling they are having, and to name it. Is it anxiety, fear, grief, or something else? For some kids, all of these feelings might look like anger. Other kids may try to pretend there is no uncomfortable feeling at all. (And of course, some might really feel okay - in which case there is no need to introduce thoughts they are not already having). Talking with them to help them give more precise words for their emotions is helpful in learning to deal with them.
· Let them know the feeling is normal: It should also be reinforced to the child that whatever emotion they have is okay. The very feelings themselves might be scary to some kids, which increases the overall anxiety. Having uncomfortable feelings during uncomfortable times is perfectly normal, and letting them know this can take away some of that extra anxiety.
· Let them know the feeling is normal: It should also be reinforced to the child that whatever emotion they have is okay. The very feelings themselves might be scary to some kids, which increases the overall anxiety. Having uncomfortable feelings during uncomfortable times is perfectly normal, and letting them know this can take away some of that extra anxiety.
· Teach them that feelings are temporary: Remind kids that feelings always come and go, and we will always get through them to another feeling. The fact that they are uncomfortable right now does not mean they will be this way forever.
· Teach them that feelings are temporary: Remind kids that feelings always come and go, and we will always get through them to another feeling. The fact that they are uncomfortable right now does not mean they will be this way forever.
· Focus on gratitude: While acknowledging uncomfortable feelings is very important, kids should be guided to notice the positives in life as well. Our brains aren’t necessarily wired to do this naturally, but it can be taught through practice. The easiest way to teach this might be finding big or little things in each day (or even each moment) that they can be thankful for. This can be huge in helping kids increase their resilience.
· Focus on gratitude: While acknowledging uncomfortable feelings is very important, kids should be guided to notice the positives in life as well. Our brains aren’t necessarily wired to do this naturally, but it can be taught through practice. The easiest way to teach this might be finding big or little things in each day (or even each moment) that they can be thankful for. This can be huge in helping kids increase their resilience.
I have heard many parents express fears about the long-term effects on the emotional health of kids. This is certainly a valid concern. However, successfully working through challenging events and emotions can be the most effective way to build long-term resilience. In other words, if we can guide our kids through these challenges, they have the potential to ultimately come out stronger on the other side.
I have heard many parents express fears about the long-term effects on the emotional health of kids. This is certainly a valid concern. However, successfully working through challenging events and emotions can be the most effective way to build long-term resilience. In other words, if we can guide our kids through these challenges, they have the potential to ultimately come out stronger on the other side.
Stay safe!
Stay safe!