Support and Resources for Caregivers
The below ideas and resources can be useful for supporting your child(ren) at home during this very difficult time. This is not an exhaustive list and I encourage you to contact me for other suggestions and support.
Stress Management:
Schedule and routine for each school-day: This will look different in each household and there are some ideas below to get you started. These ideas can be adapted for all ages and can include an incentive, if necessary.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13m_zUwNLTnYhWtRE5vVzXNzN0Zjm7nm2azsW5kzBtWY/edit
Create a list of educators and their contact information: Teachers, IT resources in the school, school Principal/Assistant Principal, and Guidance and Psychologist support.
Tips for how to manage stress and anxiety caused by COVID:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/01/parenting/coronavirus-help-anxious-kid.html
Self-care for parents:
Meaningful Breaks:
5 minute walk, drawing, reading, word search, puzzles, fresh air, etc.
Click below for more ideas:
www.changetochill.org/chill-breaks/
https://www.changetochill.org/how-can-i/mindful-movement/
https://psychcentral.com/blog/1-minute-mindfulness-exercises/
Organization:
Provide your child(ren) with a consistent, calm, and organized workspace at home:
Students can:
"decorate" their workspace with pictures, photographs, etc. of people/things that they find soothing (no toys or cellphones!)
Use a binder, folders, notebooks etc. (that are recommended by teachers).
Keep all school supplies in one place (a designated desk, table, bookshelf, crate, etc.).
Create a family calendar and/or agenda book designated for school assignments, tests, due dates, etc.