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Greetings, Valley View Community,

We know you are being inundated with news of the novel coronavirus. Fear, uncertainty, and anxiety are bound to be heightened during this time and we want to offer a few tips as we weather this situation as a community, followed by a list of links to resources if you want more information on how to talk to your kids and ways to engage them.

The following are general tips for addressing feelings of fear or anxiety with your children.

Model Calmness

Children are perceptive and sensitive. Send a clear message through your body language that there is no need to panic or worry.

Maintain Normalcy

Try to keep structure and routines as much as possible.

Actively Listen

Ask questions. Be non-judgmental. Show an interest in your child's thoughts and feelings.

Validate Feelings

Acknowledge your child's feelings; don't dismiss them.  However, avoid excessively reassuring your child as well.

Just Be

Encourage your child to practice sitting with and experiencing anxiety, rather than doing something to relieve it or distract from it. Normalize the feeling of anxiety. These feelings are a wave that they can ride.

Practice Relaxation

Feel calmer and practice being in the present moment.

These are amazing apps for mindfulness and meditation: Calm and Headspace.

We are all adjusting to these challenges and disruptions to our lives. We hope these tools empower you. Please take a moment to purposefully take time to check in with your child and their level of fear or anxiety.

Best,

-Paula Perry, School Counselor

Below are some resources you might find helpful as well:

What is COVID-19 and how to talk to kids:

Free book: Explaining Covid-19

https://www.thedadsnet.com/this-free-book-is-great-for-explaining-covid-19-coronavirus-to-your-children/

SAMSHA:  Talking tips for parents and teachers during an infectious disease outbreak

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NZm2hTAjFv487Mkr2Lfcv-ff9ameG02p/view

NASP: Talking to children about Covid-19

https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-(coronavirus)-a-parent-resource

What is Covid-19

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/2019-Novel-Coronavirus.aspx

PBS for Parents - How to de-stress during Coronavirus:

https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-you-and-your-kids-can-de-stress-during-coronavirus

Navigating Anxiety in Uncertain Times

https://slumberkins.com/blogs/slumberkins-blog/navigating-anxiety-in-uncertain-times

SAMSHA: Coping with stress during an infectious disease outbreak

https://store.samhsa.gov/system/files/sma14-4885.pdf

Stress Relief skill building and ideas for Self Care

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/shyness-is-nice/201403/seven-types-self-care-activities-coping-stress

Activities to help with time at home:

My kid’s school is closed, so now what?

https://confidentparentsconfidentkids.org/2020/03/13/my-kids-school-is-closed-so-now-what/

Slumberkins Resource Guide:

https://slumberkins.com/pages/resource-guides

Fun Card Games

http://www.homegrownlearners.com/home/fun-card-games-for-kids


Watch the Opera

https://www.vulture.com/news/metropolitan-opera/

Virtual Museum Tours

https://www.parents.com/syndication/museums-with-virtual-tours/

Watch Seattle Symphony

https://www.Seattlesymphony.org

Science Resources

https://teachchemistry.org/

Art Lessons

https://m.facebook.com/287930888343372/posts/852540938549028

Scholastic Learn at Home

https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/teaching-tools/articles/resources/scholastic-learn-at-home--free-resources-for-school-closures.html

Drawing Tutorials for Kids

https://www.artforkidshub.com/

Podcast: Reading Bug Adventures

https://www.artforkidshub.com/

Podcast: The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian

http://www.finncaspian.com/

CIncinnati Zoo: Daily Animal Activity

http://cincinnatizoo.org/

Kids Yoga

https://awakeandmindful.com/best-kids-yoga-videos-on-youtube/

Roaring Readers!

Roaring Readers has been extended at this time.  Take this time to get your 600 minutes in for a Roaring Springs Pass!

NASA Videos

https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html

Khan Academy Math

https://www.khanacademy.org/

PBS Kids!

https://pbskids.org/

Other Resources:

Food pantries and local resources - just plug in your address and the closest food pantries will be located for you https://idahofoodbank.org/getfood/

Self-Rescue Manual - The Self-Rescue Manual contains local resources, counseling supports and much more. https://selfrescuemanual.com/