COVID-19 has affected us all--from changes in routines, to children finding new ways to socially distance on the playground. This pandemic has caused us all to go about living life in a different way and has, at times, provoked various levels of anxiety within our community.
With an understanding of the impact this pandemic is having on students, James River Day hired a school counselor to support students’ social and emotional health. To assist your student(s) in dealing with anxious feelings, our school counselor, Amber Freeman has provided the following tips:
Tips for Parents:
- Be available to support your child with their feelings and fears.
- Remind children of other hard times they have overcome.
- Reassure your child that he or she will get through this challenging time.
- Stick to a normal routine as much as possible.
- Allow your child to see you handling your own anxiety in a positive way.
Tips for Students:
- Start a gratitude journal. Gratitude is a great way to combat anxiety.
- Practice deep breathing.
- Write or draw pictures about how you feel during this time.
- Remember that how you are feeling is okay!
- Find activities that help you feel calm like reading, drawing, exercising, or connecting (virtually and/or at 6 feet distance) with friends.
- Remind yourself that you are safe.
Our hope is that you will find these tips helpful in calming any anxiety provoked by the pandemic. We are guided by our mission, which leads us to cherish and challenge the whole child. We are, therefore, deeply committed to supporting the health and well-being of our students. Our students’ welfare is our paramount concern and drives our decision-making every day.