Corona Kids Follow Up / episode 2of2

(Hey all- we did this podcast as socially distant as possible, which means we were on three separate phone lines. So there is a little lag on some of the audio which can make it sound out of sync. Hopefully it's not too bothersome, because there is some good info here! Sorry about that!)

Jennifer Street, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, is back on the podcast for another episode on taking a trauma-informed approach to mental health during this pandemic. We discuss what we hope will be some helpful reminders for parents and new resources as well.

The trends across the country have shown indicators that people are becoming stressed and overwhelmed. For this reason, as a caregiver, you have to take care of your needs first, before you can be helpful to your children.

Change your own expectations of your daily goals.

See where your "pain points" are in your daily routine, and consider whether there is a different way to approach that time of day.

Give yourself permission to be "off" and do something fun.

Nature is grounding and can help center you. Find time to take a walk outside, sit in the grass or even bring a meal or snack outdoors.

Your child might be in psychological distress if he or she is acting irritable, unable to sit still or focus, or generally not acting like themselves. (Check in with your pediatrician if you're concerned.)

Create space for children to share their feelings with a chart of different colored hearts, for example.

Practice the application of coping skills (for instance, yoga or breath work) when your children aren't upset, so they can return to it when they are in need of regulation. Practicing it while they are calm is the key.

Model the behavior of healthy coping skills.

Talk to children without using shame or guilt to avoid pushing them away.

Communication cards to change communication: Teach for Love

Remember that children are not little adults.

Connect, get on their eye-level and offer to help them do something, rather than asking or telling them to do something multiple times.

When giving choices, make both acceptable outcomes for you.

Woe, No Fun book

Better Health -online counseling

Faithful Counseling -online counseling