What is Mindfulness and how can it help me and my family?

Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. While mindfulness is something we all naturally possess, it’s more readily available to us when we practice on a daily basis. Whenever you bring awareness to what you’re directly experiencing via your senses, or to your state of mind via your thoughts and emotions, you’re being mindful. And there’s growing research showing that when you train your brain to be mindful, you’re actually remodeling the physical structure of your brain.

The goal of mindfulness is to wake up to the inner workings of our mental, emotional, and physical processes.

PARENTS- As we continue to work our way through this time together, it is important that be mindful of our well-being as well as stay positive. Please continue to take care of yourself and remember that we cannot help others unless we first take care of ourselves. The following resources provide information on mindfulness which can boost our lives in many ways.


https://www.mindful.org/meditation/mindfulness-getting-started/

https://positivepsychology.com/mindfulness-for-children-kids-activities/



What are some strategies I can use to keep myself calm and relieve stress?

Throughout this situation there may be times when we feel that we are not in control of ourselves or our environment. It is important to understand that we can only control ourselves and our reactions. With this in mind we must remain positive and continue to accept what we can control. Working through this situation may cause our stress and/or anxiety levels to rise. It is important that we always continue to monitor and address these levels to maintain our health. Stress and/or anxiety can affect both our physical and mental health; it is important that we maintain safe levels of both. Please see the following resources on coping strategies and the benefits of daily exercise in managing stress and anxiety.

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/exercise-benefits-children-physically-and-mentally#1

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/exercising-to-relax

https://www.verywellmind.com/managing-coronavirus-anxiety-4798909

https://www.harleytherapy.co.uk/counselling/how-to-cope-life-is-crazy.htm

https://confidentparentsconfidentkids.org/parent-resources/ family-emotional-safety-plan/


I am struggling to limit screen time and get my kids on a schedule of any kind these days, What can I do?


We are all establishing new routines now and adjusting to limited resources. It is extremely easy to slide into a slump by not sticking or starting routines. Please be mindful of setting daily goals to move our bodies with our children. Involve them with the daily cleaning, cooking, and exercise. Today or tomorrow clean or organize the refrigerator or pantry . One small project together. Start with a small space.


https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/wecan/downloads/reduce-screen-time.pdf

https://letsmove.obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/reduce-screen-time-and-get-active

Emotional Tracker: See how your emotions change before and after diving into this topic.

Question to Keep in Mind: How can establishing a routine be beneficial for me and the others around me?

Daily Journal Prompt: After reading some of the texts in this set, respond to the following questions:

  • Why is it important for people of all ages to establish a routine?

  • How do you think it will help you to establish a routine?

Practice Time: Establishing a routine requires planning. Brainstorm a daily schedule to try to follow while you are not in school. You can use the Habit Tracker to follow your progress. Challenge Alert! Add guided meditation to your routine using GoNoodle or another program.

Art Extension:

  • Create a color and creative schedule highlighting your new routine you'd like to start. Be sure to use color!

  • Learn how to draw with Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems or learn how to draw a relaxing Mandala.

  • Create a comic strip or fictional story about a character who successfully or unsuccessfully establishes a routine.


What should I do over the summer if I am concerned about my child’s behavior or emotional symptoms?


All children have trouble from time to time. It is normal for children to have times when they are sad, angry, frustrated, and act shy or show anxiety. If you think your child’s behaviors are impacting their ability to maintain friendships, learn in school, communicate with family, or putting them and/or others at risk for harm. Also, if you feel out of control yourself as a parent; it is probably time to reach out to a qualified professional.


What do I do if I am in Crisis during the summer?

  • 24/7 hotlines available to emotionally support and provide resources

    • Long Island Crisis Center (24/7 CrisisHotlines)

      • 516-679-1111

      • 1-800-273-TALK

      • 1-800-SUICIDE

    • SAMSHA’s Hotline (Drug and Alcohol) 1-800-662-4357

    • Coalition Against Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Hotline 516-542-0404

    • Salva DV Program (Spanish Language Domestic Violence Hotline) 516-889-2849

    • Mobile Crisis Hotline (Emergency Home Evaluations) 516-227-8255

  • Urgent mental health services provide psychological evaluations and crisis interventions

    • Cohen's Pediatric Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center Tel.: 917-480-4495

    • NYU Langone/Winthrop Hospital Tel.: 516-663-0333