Most schools are going back next week in person after being off a year. Others are returning from spring break. Either way, lots of mixed emotions for parents and kids.  I wanted to share resources to support and grow children’s social emotional wellness as they transition back. 

Sharing difficult news with your child Written by Lorea Martinez, author of Heart In Mind

The Rise In Anti-Asian Attacks During The COVID-19 Pandemic : 1A

Violent attacks and harassment towards Asian Americans have spiked, partly due to xenonophic rhetoric that connects the COVID-19 pandemic with Asian Americans. While these are difficult news to discuss with our children, we have a responsibility to support our families in understanding these racist acts, and having a discussion at home that can grow our kids’ social and emotional skills and provide tools for an anti-racist world. Click Here:

This article, written by SEL parent expert Jennifer Miller, provides guidance to discuss news with our kids in ways that are developmentally appropriate. Although the article was written after the events at the US Capitol, the guidance can support any conversation about current events.

You may have noticed that your children have a harder time focusing, show less empathy and patience towards their siblings, or have no desire to engage in physical activities. While there are many reasons to feel optimistic in 2021, the pandemic continues to impact our lives and affect the mental health of children and adults.

While these behaviors are normal, it is important that we continue to support our children to stay physically and mentally healthy even when we just want to sit on the couch and do nothing and monitor their stress levels. Children’s behaviors are their way of communicating that something is happening. Don’t ignore them, thinking that they will go way. Check in with your child and try to understand what’s going on for them.

In this article, Drs. Sheffield Morris and Hays-Grudo offer 10 strategies to help children reduce stress and build resilience.  Click Here: 

5 tips to manage school related anxiety

5 Tips To Cope When School Anxiety Lingers by Elevate Counseling Click Here:

My thoughts are with the students who are anxious about going back to school. While I understand that living through this pandemic has intensified anxiety and, in many cases, caused great anxiety even for those who’ve never struggled with it, I believe the tips shared in this article are still applicable today.  If your kiddos are headed back into the classroom, please check out this blog to learn about how you can support them during this transition. Click Here

Please let me know if you need any support or addition resources, we are not meant to do life or parenting alone

XO,

Tabatha Marden

Emotional intelligence + Leadership Coach| Mental Health advocate

Tabatha Marden