The Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) has resources available to support you and your children/students as we work through the COVID-19 pandemic and the stress that it is bringing to all of us. We invite you to take some time to listen, watch, or read the resources listed.
If your child is experiencing life threatening emotional difficulties, call 911. Otherwise, you can reach Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or 686868 to connect through text. You can also contact your family physician or community mental health professionals.
Podcasts and Videos
The GECDSB psychology department has produced a podcast series based on what families and staff want to know during the pandemic. You can listen to the podcast on YouTube.
The podcast series covers a variety of topics including:
- Talking to Children
- Identifying Signs of Stress in Children and Teenages
- Care for Caregivers
- Helping Children and Teens Cope
- Engagement and Motivation
- Helping Your Child at Home
- Stress Coping Strategies for Adults
- Children Experiencing Anxiety around COVID-19
- How to Address Racism During COVID-19
- Stress Strategies for Students and Parents
- Coping with Stress for Adolescents
- Helping Children Feel Safe at Home
Disclaimer: GECDSB Podcasts, links to external resources, graphics, images, and other material contained on the GECDSB website ("external content") are provided for informational purposes only. Information provided in the Podcast or in the external content is not psychological or other professional advice, nor does it represent the provision of consultative or individual psychological or other professional services. Information presented in the Podcasts and in the external content is not a substitute for psychological or other professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be relied on as such. Always seek the advice of a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist or social worker, or other qualified health provider regarding your individual concerns, questions, or current situation. Information provided on the GECDSB website in Podcasts or external content is not advice and users should not disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it professional advice because of something you have read or heard on the GECDSB website. Any action you take based on the information contained in the podcast is done strictly at your own risk. Under no circumstances shall the GECDSB liable for any damages that result from reliance on information in the Podcasts or in external content.
Talking to Children about COVID-19
News coverage and social media content regrading the Coronavirus may be upsetting or difficult to understand for many children and families. It is reasonable and acceptable for young people to feel worried or nervous and have questions. Teaching positive preventive measures, talking with them about their fears, and giving them some sense of control over their risk of infection can help reduce anxiety.
Pay attention to media access
Limit media exposure or ensure information being accessed on-line is trustworthy. Exposure to too much or misinformed resources/media coverage can give young people an exaggerated view of the risks associated with Coronavirus. Where feasible, monitor for misinformation and assist children in accessing reliable sources of information. Explain the events as well as you can and help them put information into perspective. Keep young people informed about what is happening and what may happen at a level that is suitable for their age.
Remain calm and reassuring
Children will react to and follow your verbal and nonverbal responses. What you say and do about Coronavirus, current prevention efforts, and related events can either increase or decrease your children's anxiety. Let your children talk about their feelings and help reframe their concerns into the appropriate perspective.
Reassure them they are safe and there are many things they can do to stay healthy.
Keep to a regular schedule, as this can be reassuring and promotes physical health. Wash hands often with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after coughing or sneezing. Cough and sneeze into arm or tissue. Stay healthy by eating healthy foods, keeping physically active, getting enough sleep.
For the latest updates, visit the Windsor Essex County Health Unit https://www.wechu.org/
Sources
The National Association of School Psychologists
Public health guidance for schools (K-12) and childcare programs (COVID-19)