We are into week 3 of the new school year! You may have experienced excitement from your child, nervousness, or even reluctance to go to school during these time. These are all normal ways to feel when we are living during uncertainty. We hope that your child’s transition back to school has been an easy one. If it has not, it is okay to accept that this year has been a year like no other.
COVID-19
Many of you have soon-to-be teens or teens in your home. The teenage years can be filled with many emotions, during even the best of circumstances, due to all of the changes of the adolescent brain. If we add in disappointment, uncertainty, and disruption the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to all of us, it can make this time in our teens lives feel even more overwhelming. Healthcare professionals are seeing teens struggle at a much steeper level than usual.
Resources
Parents are asking what they can do. We have put together some resources that you may find helpful.
- How teenagers can protect their mental health during coronavirus (COVID-19) | UNICEF
- Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19 – National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
- Webinar: COVID-19 Stress: How Uncertainty Affects Our Brains | Conscious Discipline
Reach Out
If you still have questions or concerns for you child, do not hesitate to reach out to your teachers or our iTeam staff. We are here to support you and your family.
About the Author:
Ms. Crystal Lindquist is a Master Social Worker and a member of the DGM iTeam.