Dear Families,
My thoughts are with you all as we attempt to create our ‘new normal’ due to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. This is not easy for any of us, but is especially difficult for those in our community who are most vulnerable to COVID-19 and those who have suffered loss of employment. I hope that your family is supporting each other, and attempting to make the best out of a challenging situation.
Although it is important to model resiliency to our children, we must allow them to feel what they feel, and to feel safe enough to express those feelings. This will not always be easy – it’s never easy to watch our children be upset, whether that be angry or sad, because they cannot see their friends or engage in the sports and activities that bring them so much joy. We cannot “fix” this for our children, because we must all follow the rules of social distancing for the good of our overall community. However, we can sit with our children when they are feeling upset, and we can let them know we are here for them – to listen, to talk, or to simply be with them during these difficult times.
It is important that children learn to identify what they are feeling, and be able to sit with it, even when it’s hard. In order to HEAL, we must DEAL with how we FEEL. From there, children may want to engage in an activity independently or with others to move forward (journaling, art, phone calls/online time, walk, baking or family board games). However, there is no rush here, let children take their time in this process as we don’t want to put any added pressure on them about how they should be coping. Let them know you are there for them, you love them, and that you will get through this together.
If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with their mental health during this difficult time, please visit the list of resources and supports I’ve compiled for families on my website. Here you should find a support that you can access via phone or online any time of day or night. Although we are social distancing and confined to our homes, please know that it is more important than ever to reach out to your support network of family and friends by phone, text or social media for your emotional and social well-being, and to reach out for professional help if you are struggling. I have also created a page for student supports during the pandemic, and I highly recommend Kids Help Phone to students in grades 4-6 (and older) as it offers free counselling supports via text, phone or online chat 24/7 to children that feel like they need extra support during this challenging time.
Please know that I am also available to my school communities at this time. If I can offer some further resources, supports or guidance to students and their families I am more than willing to do so. Please reach out to me by email and I will get back to you ASAP. My email is: htopshee@hrce.ca
We will get through this, but we must do so together. I am hoping that your family is finding some peace and happiness in the pause of the busyness of life; while connecting with those who mean the most.
Warmest Regards,
Ms. Topshee
School Counsellor
Central Spryfield and Chebucto Heights