We recognize that anxiety is high for all children and parents following the Governor’s announcement that schools will be closed to students until April 13, 2020.
Our children are probably grieving some part of their expected 2019-2020 school experience. Some of you may be relieved to have them at home and others may feel anxious about what they will do at home for the next month. No matter how you’re feeling, it’s perfectly valid.
The next several weeks are going to be difficult. We want you to know that we are committed to working through this together.
In terms of supporting your children, here are some things to think about:
- Try to remain calm. Your anxiety often translates to your children’s anxiety. That being said, it’s important to make sure that they are taking this seriously.
- Listen to your children. Let them tell you how they are feeling about this situation and validate those feelings.
- Manage your information intake. Please help your child/children manage their information intake. There is a lot of sensational news out about COVID-19. Look at credible news sources and read more than just the headlines. It’s important for you to be able to provide information to your children that is based on facts.
- Develop a plan. We know that this is difficult with information changing rapidly, but having even a short term (day- by-day) plan can help everyone to continue to move forward.
- Provide reassurances. We are all in this together and we will get through this difficult time.
Although we will continue to face challenges associated with school closings to students, we will remain committed to the well-being of your children. Resources to assist you in supporting your children’s social and emotional needs during this time of uncertainty can be found on the St. Charles Parish Public Schools website.
Sincerely,
Jerry L. Smith, LCSW-BACS, C-SSWS, MA
Executive Director of Student Services
