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Parenting in Times of COVID-19: Tips for Navigating our Daily Reality

Parenting in Times of COVID-19: Tips for Navigating our Daily Reality

Acknowledging that new demands on families may take an emotional toll, our school counselors offer tips to support wellness at home.

For Lower School Families
  • Adjust expectations for all, even if you will need to revert to them. 
  • Create a sense of order and routine, allowing for “spur of the moment” changes.
  • Model for your children that “you can handle this.”
  • Each day take time out for your physical health. Carve out “me” time away from technology.
  • Eat healthy foods and sleep well.
  • Keep a thought diary.
  • Talk to friends and let them know how you are feeling.
  • Practice mindfulness – focus on the positive in your life and family.
  • Help children see the silver lining in these times: the beauty in nature, our connections with others, and the chance to make a difference.
  • Notice the things that you haven’t noticed in a very long time. What is new around you?

For Middle School Families
  • Use this special time - Passover - to bring to light all our inner strengths and talents.
  • Continue maintaining healthy habits – eating, sleeping, staying active. Our body, mind and neshama are the most precious things we own.
  • Be kind and compassionate toward yourself.
  • Find new ways to stay occupied through a fun and meaningful activity.
  • Make a list of things you’d like to accomplish; checking them off will feel good. 
  • Stay connected to people you care about – maintain a sense of community and empowerment.

For High School Parents
  • Allow teens to manage their own schoolwork. 
  • Engage positively with them, asking questions such as: How can I help you achieve your goals his week?
  • Acknowledge how hard this is; teens are highly social, and feelings of social isolation and grief are normal. 
  • Focus on the fact that students are learning to do hard things; they will become more resilient as a result.

For High School Students
  • Stress and anxiety are a normal part of this. 
  • Keep a positive mindset; actively do things to maintain it.
  • Take stock of the positives you can think of that have come out from this experience. Ask your family to do the same, and share.    
  • Play games as a family or do a puzzle together. Do those things that you’d like to do but never have the time.  
  • Read a book that’s not assigned for school.
  • Do virtual exercise with Ms. Best or Ms. Morgan. Check your class pages for the schedules.
  • Learn about mindfulness. There are numerous classes online.
  • Take time to focus on your own emotional wellbeing; when this is over you will be in a better place!

With a focus on social-emotional learning and students’ well-being, Scheck Hillel Community School has school counselors from Early Childhood through High School. To learn more, visit eHillel.org.

Lower School Counselors: Laurie Parker & Esther Poler
Middle School Counselors: Daniela Gelbspan, Yael Moreno & Reina Chocron
High School Counselors: Lauren Berley & Linda Feigenbaum 
 
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