Counseling Resources
LOUSD Team of Counselors
Mr. Eduardo Bucio
Ms. Ellen
Murphy
Mr. Glenn
Houston
_edited.jpg)
Ms. Dolores
Herrera
Virtual Counseling
Center for Kids
Mr. Nick
Roberts
Sutter-Yuba Behavioral Health:
Youth Services
(530) 822-7513
24 Hour Emergency Psychiatric Services
530-673-8255
888-923-3800
Youth Crisis
Text Line
Text "Listen" to
741741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800-273-8255
888-628-9454 (Spanish)
Be a role model
for your children.
They learn from our example and it is important to be calm and reassuring. As you let your children talk about their feelings, help keep their concerns in perspective. Remind them that you are there to keep them safe and healthy. Remember that children will follow the verbal and nonverbal cues of their caregivers.
Practice social distancing.
Your children may not completely understand why they are not at school or able to see their friends. Explain to them that social distancing is staying away from others until the risk of contracting COVID-19 is under control. Let them know you are following the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
Be aware of how you talk about COVID-19.
Depending on what you say and how you say it, can increase or decrease your child’s fear. Remember to respond to them with truth and reassurance, you are doing what is needed to keep them safe.
Monitor social media and sources of news.
The nature of this crisis has brought with it a significant amount of news coverage. It is important to filter the information to which you and your family are exposed. Constantly watching and listening to the updates can increase anxiety levels, especially when the information could be upsetting to your children. Be aware that information directed toward adults can be developmentally inappropriate for children.
Model healthy hygiene and lifestyle practices.
By giving your child guidance on what they can do to prevent themselves from getting infected gives them a better sense of control and will help reduce their anxiety. Encourage them to practice the simple steps below to prevent the spread of the virus.
Breathing Matters.
Deep breathing is a valuable tool for calming the nervous system. Here is an example of a simple breathing technique:
-
Take a deep breath in through your nose while counting to four.
-
Exhale through your mouth while counting to four.
-
Repeat 3-4 times.
Be honest and accurate.
Where there are gaps of factual information, children will imagine far worse scenarios. Let your children know the reason they are home and away from their teachers and friends. Tell them the virus can be spread between people who are in close contact with one another – if any of those people are infected with the virus. It is also known to spread when you touch an infected surface, which is why it’s important to wash your hands.
Avoid the “Blame Game”
Often in high stress situations, we look for something or someone to blame. This gives us a target for our frustrations and helps us feel more in control. It’s important to not stereotype any group of individuals as responsible for the spread of the virus.
Stick to the Facts.
Here are some quick facts about COVID-19 from the Center for Disease Control:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/share-facts-h.pdf.
For additional factual information, check the Center for Disease Control’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
Try to maintain a
daily routine.
Keeping a regular schedule can help promote increased well-being and calmness by providing predictability and giving a sense of control. In addition, it can help encourage your children to keep up with their school work. Keep in mind that transitioning to this new routine may be difficult for you and your family. Approaching with an attitude of trial and error may help so no one is overwhelmed.
Remember...
Stay Positive
Try to make things as fun as possible! Celebrate your time together as a family. Work on family projects together, sing, laugh, and go outside! If possible enjoy nature and get some exercise.
Be available.
During this time, your children may need more attention from you. Sometimes it’s just a matter of being present with them, creating the space for them to talk about their fears, concerns, and to answer any questions they may have.
Keep explanations age-appropriate.
Early elementary students: Brief, simple explanations that balance facts about COVID-19 along with appropriate reassurances that adults are here to keep them safe and healthy. Use the language “adults are working hard to keep you safe”. Give specific examples of the steps we are taking to stop the spread of germs to stay healthy like washing hands, staying home and social distancing.
Upper elementary and early middle school students: This age group will usually ask more questions. They may be more susceptible to rumors so they may need help separating facts from fiction. Discuss with them what our community and national leaders are doing to prevent the virus from spreading.
Upper middle and high school students: Discussions can be more in depth. Refer them to appropriate sources of factual information about COVID-19. Be honest with them about the current status of events surrounding COVID-19. Include them in decision making about your family plans, any schedules being created and helping with chores at home.
Healthy hygiene and lifestyle practices:
o Wash hands multiples times a day, for at least 20 seconds each time. Here are some facts about hand washing: https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/pdf/wash-your-hands-fact-sheet-508.pdf
o Cover mouths and nose with a tissue, or an elbow, when sneezing or coughing. Throw the tissue away immediately.
o Do not share food or drinks with others.
o Practice giving elbow bumps instead of handshakes.
o Eat a healthy diet, drink lots of water, get enough sleep, and try to exercise regularly. This will build your immune system to fight off any illnesses.
* Keep checking in for updates and new information after the spring break week*
Reference:
Talking to children about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - A parent resource. (February 29, 2020). National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and National Association of School Nurses (NASN). Retrieved from https://www.nasponline.org/Documents/Resources%20and%20Publications/Resources/Crisis/COVID-19_parent_handout_NASP_NASN_2-20_FINAL.pdf
Additional
Resources
Click here to see more Coronavirus information for kids, from BrainPop
Click here to see more Coronavirus information for kids, from Julia Cook