From The Counselor’s Corner:
Dear Parents,
As we prepare to open our doors to our Preschool families, I wanted to take a moment to touch base and provide a few pieces of information. First let me start by saying, we’re all in this together! Despite the challenges faced in recent months, which understandably, may be marked with a myriad of feelings and emotions, we want you to know that we are poised and ready to care for your preschoolers. In addition to meeting their academic needs, their safety, and social-emotional well being are a top priority.
It is our goal to partner with you to provide guidance, support and resources related to the development of your child, and strategies on expressing feelings, regulating emotions and adapting coping skills.In addition parent support is also available as we strive to preserve the wellbeing of all members of the GFS community.
Below are a few tips in preparation to kick off the start of the year and to calm your fears:
Provide a routine. Children thrive off of routines, rituals, and consistency. Having some sense of normalcy and control, such as being able to anticipate what’s happening next in their day, will foster a sense of security, and increase cooperation. Provide a schedule of what the day will look like. For younger students, include visuals (for example a picture of a kid having lunch for lunch time). For older students allow them to help create the schedule on their computer using fun graphics.
Remain calm. Despite this being a stressful time, it’s important to remain calm. Understand that flexibility is key, we’re all in this together -- we can review, assess and adjust as needed.
Provide reassurance. Inform your child in kid friendly ways about what’s to come, so they anticipate the shift from being home for an extended period to going back to school. Children take cues from parents and can pick up on stress, be sure to reach out to other adults for support to avoid having your child take on your stress. Students will have mixed emotions as their day to day shifts yet again, so providing lots of positive reassurance, of their safety and wellbeing will be key.
Be supportive. Check-in and talk with your child about the “new normal” and how they are feeling overall. Discuss ways to cope with the changes (resource link here). Discuss things they can expect in school. Families with returning students should discuss what things will be the same, and what things will be different. Continue activities that further foster a positive attachment; (i.e.spending quality time together, engaging in bonding activities such as taking walks, floor time play, board games, story time) Also for the families overall wellbeing, practicing healthy eating, sleeping, and fitness habits are helpful. Watch for any signs of overwhelming stress and anxiety and reach out for support if needed. The resource linked above details possible reactions based on developmental stages.
Take good care of yourself. Take some time to engage in self-care as you gradually transition back to a sense of normalcy. Find quiet moments to reflect, meditate, do a daily devotional, read poetry, exercise, read a book, talk to a friend, binge-watch (maybe just a little)! Also access help when possible, tag-team with academics and household duties if you can, to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
We are here to support the wellbeing of our entire community, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns and if I can assist further.
Shondra Cowling
Preschool/Lower School Counselor