The PGO hosted Interim Principal Diane Chamberlain and the Fort River Mental Health Team last Friday at our regular PGO Coffee. The presentation was FABULOUS and covered many topics of use to every family. We will share notes and slides from this wonderful session in the near future but in the meantime are reposting the holiday tips that they shared in the November FR Principal Newsletter.
FROM THE MENTAL HEALTH TEAM
The holidays can be a stressful time for not only
adults, but for children as well. While one child may experience joy and
excitement during this time, another may struggle with anxiety or overwhelming
feelings related to meeting new people (guests), seeing new decorations in the
house or constantly changing routines. Most adults can manage and adjust to
these changes successfully but many children can’t. For these children new
people, things and environment can bring confusion, shyness and even fear.
To avoid this inevitable overwhelming time for some
children during these holidays, it is important for parents to talk to children
about future guests who may visit the house, food that will be cooked or
ordered, and any new surroundings. These conversations will help children to
learn what is coming in advance, and help them to prepare mentally and
physically to upcoming changes. Parents should also remember that children
learn and develop in the context of a relationship. They can pick up on parents’
impatience and anxiety. So, becoming aware of your own feelings is important.
Offering choices, empowering and providing positive support are essential tools
in the parent’s pocket to use while spending time with kids during holidays.
Mental Health Team: Dr. Patricia Schumm, Jessica Rudnick, Melanie Collins,
Ana Encarnacion, Miguel Aquino, Ruth Killough-Hill
