September 2020: Caregivers Support Self and Students
September 2020: Caregivers Support Self and Students
Thank you parents/guardians for taking on the enormous task of supporting your child’s education as well as their social-emotional well being. We recognize the strain it puts on your relationship and want to help with some suggestions to help you and your child feel safe, connected, regulated and to access learning in these stressful, unsettling times.
The following information was borrowed from the Attachment and Trauma Network www.attachmenttraumanetwork.org.
Help your child feel safe
Validate feelings
Establish routines
Provide a space to work
Work with your child to create a daily schedule
Maintain positive connection with your child
Listen with empathy
Consistently encourage (I like how hard you worked on that. I notice how you’ve stayed organized today.)
Support safe online connections with peers.
Make time to relax of play together. (Have an end time to the school day)
Regulate emotions
Take care of your own mental, emotional and physical health.
Encourage your child to take short frequent breaks that incorporate movement.
Encourage completion, not perfection
Ask “How can I help? What do you need?
Learn/Celebrate
Celebrate successes together.
Brainstorm how to overcome difficulties
Encourage your child to ask for what they need.
Let your child do their work (not you).
Check out this great link from Mental Health America. Helping at Home Tips for Parents
Your job is to support your child with organization and time management. Avoid battles about quality. A GREAT day is when your child is present on every Webex meeting and turns in all assignments!