Mental Health Webinar

Free Live and On-Demand Webinar Series for Parents and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers are invited to attend the following free webinar series.

For more information and to register, go to: https://www.nelson.com/learningonline/pl.html

Session One: The March Break is Over, Now What?
March 25, 1 PM
This first session of the series covers the top ten ways you and your children can successfully settle in to staying at home. Topics will include: establishing realistic expectations, creating a daily routine, and dealing with stress and worry

Session Two: Learning at Home is Not like Learning at School
April 1, 1 PM
This session will examine how you can support your child’s learning and development without turning your dining room into a classroom. Topics will include: what matters most when it comes to learning, capitalizing on curiosity, and dealing with opposition without detention or suspension

Session Three: Are We Having Fun Yet? Saying Positive Over the Long Haul
April 8, 1 PM
This session will focus on maintaining your own well-being so you can support the well-being of your children. Topics will include: staying motivated and positive, managing boredom and anxiety, and supporting your own well-being

Here’s a sneak preview of tomorrow’s TOP TEN TIPS FOR STAYING AT HOME WITH YOUR CHILDREN DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC:

  1. Create a Bubble of Physical and Psychological Safety. Practice social distancing, not just from people, but from constant exposure to the news. Try to make your home a safe and positive place for your family.
  2. Establish a Routine and Start as You Intend to Go On. Work together with your children to create a reasonable and sustainable day to day routine. Try not to expect too little or too much from your children, or yourself.
  3. Remember that Setbacks are Normal. During times of major transition, we tend to have a honeymoon period where we are coping well, then a letdown period where we feel in less control, and then a reset period where we get back on track. Know that there will be ups and downs.
  4. Practice “Good Enough” Parenting. Maintain realistic expectations about yourself as a parent. You are stressed too, and you will likely not always be your best self. Your children don’t need you to be perfect, just good enough.
  5. Know What You Can Control and What You Can’t. Remember that stress comes from events that are beyond our control. To regain some sense of control, focus on what you have influence over, like connecting with your kids or keeping your household clean.
  6. Set and Maintain Limits with Your Children. Consider how much time you will allow them to be on social media; how much of your time you will give them, what chores you expect them to complete. Like a daily routine, structure and consistency helps with stress.
  7. Don’t Turn Your Home into a School. Learning can happen naturally with a little prompting. Kids are curious and like to solve problems. And most don’t like to complete worksheets. Help them get started and then see where they go.
  8. There is Nothing Wrong with a Little Boredom. Necessity truly is the mother of invention. When kids are bored, they often become creative. Try not to fill all of their time for them.
  9. Get Outside as Much as Possible. You can still practice social distancing while outside. Break up the day by going for a walk or getting other forms of exercise.
  10. Be Honest and Positive. Your children look to you for reassurance and to know how to feel. They will also sense if you are not being truthful. Remain positive and acknowledge that this is a stressful time.