As conversations around COVID-19 increase, children and youth may experience a range of emotions. Our LDSB mental health team has assembled some information and tips to help families and those working with children to support our students.
You may notice that they appear:
- Anxious
- Worried about themselves, their family, and friends getting ill with COVID-19
- Preoccupied with illness
- Have a need for reassurance
- Tired
- Have a range of physical complaints (e.g., stomach aches, headaches, etc)
Parents, family members, and other trusted adults can play an important role in helping children/youth make sense of what they hear in a way that provides developmentally-appropriate and factual information about the local situation from KFL&A Public Health, and helping children/youth to feel some level of control. We can also model for children and youth the importance of compassion, caring, and collective responsibility for the wellness of those around us.
It's important to note that all of us are affected to some degree by the pandemic, and depending on our personal circumstances there may be more or less cause for concern. In any case, remember to pause, and take the time you need and deserve to rest and relax, to be with family and friends, and to do the things that help you to stay well.
If at any time a student or family is looking for resources in their community, they can call 211 or go online to find programs and services in your community.