Counselor's Corner
As we prepare for an extended amount of time away from school amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to assure you that we remain dedicated to serving your family and providing for your child’s school counseling needs through alternative means. We recognize that the next few weeks will be a stressful time for many families and many children may need counseling support. Virtual Counseling is a new experience for us, but not a foreign concept. We will continue to research creative ways to support your child as needed during this time and will be available via email at alexandra.shwartz@ssdsboston.org. and trudy.fagen@ssdsboston.org.
We will be uploading tips to this site for talking with your children about the coronavirus, suggestions for fun family activities to do while you are at home for an extended time, resources for mental health wellness/dealing with anxiety, and videos to promote social emotional learning.
For students that see us weekly for a lunch group, we will be postponing these groups until we are back in school together.
Best wishes,
Ali Shwartz and Trudy Fagen
Talking with your Child about the Coronavirus
Talking about scary things with your kids can be scary for parents, too! Here's a little advice on talking about scary things like the coronavirus:
Keep your kids away from the media as much as possible. Don't spend hours watching the news, reading things on social media to them, etc. This will add to their fear and anxiety. It is your job to get the information and then share it with your children in a way that is developmentally appropriate.
Remain as calm as possible in front of your children, even if you are anxious. Many times, a child's anxiety is a reflection of our own.
Remind your kids of all the things we are doing to keep safe like washing our hands, social distancing, cancelling events, and staying home from school. Reassure them that you are doing what is necessary to keep them safe and healthy.
Remind them that some things are out of our control. Focus on what we can control and let go of what we can't.
Let them ask questions and answer as best you can. Not allowing them to ask questions will only make them worry more.
Keep a routine during these days out of school. Have a schedule for when you will do school work, eat meals, do family activities so that there is structure to their day.
If you are sick, follow the CDC Recommendations.
Don't forget to take care of your own mental health and wellness!
Keep your kids on a schedule while we are out of school. You'll be glad you did. Some families are taking their kids outside as a family for a brisk walk before the school day starts to get them in gear.