One of the most effective strategies for us to support our children is to recognize and regualate our own emotions.  Children "co-regulate" with adults, and will take cues from us as we make this transition back to school.  Modeling self-care and calming strategies is a great way to help your child, as well as talking about feelings and thoughts.  Rehearsing and practicing situations can be helpful too.  Role playing is a powerful learning tool for kids!  Here are some helpful links about supporting children through hard times.

Helping Kids with Disrupted Sleep Cyles and Eating Concerns

How to help with separation anxiety

Child Mind Institute

National Association of School Psychologists

PBS KIDS Offers Tips for Parents 

PBS Kids offers wonderful tips for parents as they help their children prepare to return to school

In June, representatives from every school, including teachers, school counselors, behavior specialists, an Occupational Therapist, a School Psychologist, a School Nurse and an administrator, all worked on a Student Wellness Task Force to come up with our recommendations to support the mental health and wellbeing of students as they return to school after the collective trauma caused by these unprecedented circumstances.  The most important dimension of our recommendations involve ensuring that we create a safe and supportive community for students and families when they return.