Social and Emotional Wellness During the Extended School Closure
The LCSD Guildance Department shares this advice on how to talk to children and young adults about COVID-19:
Be calm and reassuring
- Children will react to and follow your verbal and nonverbal reactions.
- If true, emphasize to your children that they and your family are fine. Remind them that you and the adults in at school are there to keep them safe and healthy.
- Let them talk about their feelings. Help them reframe their concerns into the appropriate perspective.
Make yourself available
- Children may need extra attention and may want to talk about their concerns, fears, and questions.
- It is important that they know they have someone who will listen to them and make time for them.
- Tell them you love them and give them plenty of affection.
Avoid excessive news
- Be aware of comments other adults make around your family.
- Avoid news broadcasts that might be upsetting when your children are present. Constantly watching updates on the status of COVID-19 can increase anxiety.
- Speak to your child about how many Internet stories about COVID-19 may be based on rumors.
- Information designed for adults can cause anxiety or confusion, particularly in young children.
Maintain a routine
- Keep to a regular schedule, as this can be reassuring and promotes physical health.
- Encourage children to keep up with schoolwork and extracurricular activities, but don’t push them if they seem overwhelmed.
Be honest, accurate and healthy
- Giving children guidance on what they can do to prevent infection gives them a greater sense of
control over disease spread and will help to reduce their anxiety. - When tensions are high, sometimes we try to blame someone. Avoid stereotyping any one group of people as responsible for the virus.
- Children often imagine situations far worse than reality. Don’t ignore their concerns.
- Encourage good hygiene, such as proper hand washing.
- Encourage your child to eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.
Helpful Resources
Elementary
- My School Is Closed: A digital story book for young readers
- Supporting Mental Health Through COVID-19: Challenges, activities and exercises kids can do at home
- Go Noodle: A great collection of movement and mindfulness videos
- Cosmic Kids Yoga: Mindfulness and relaxation designed specially for kids aged 3+
Middle School
- Supporting Mental Health Through COVID-19: Challenges, activities and exercises kids can do at home
High School
Coping in Hard Times Fact Sheet for High School and College Age
For Parents and Educators
- A Trauma-Informed Approach to Teaching Through Coronavirus: Experts from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network share their recommendations
- Flexibility in the Midst of Crisis: Flexibility enables us to shift perspectives when unexpected events arise
- My Kid’s School Is Closed, So Now What? Tips for well-being and successful home learning.
- Leader in Me COVID-19 Staff Response Center: Resources for teachers
NYS COVID-19 Mental Health Hotline
1-844-863-9314
Guidance Team
Sheila Wormuth
Guidance Director
swormuth@libertyk12.org
845-292-5400 ext. 2034
Liberty Elementary School
- Mary Bayer, School Psychologist
mbayer@libertyk12.org - Alanna Newman, School Social Worker
anewman@libertyk12.org - James O’Connor, Guidance Counselor
joconnor@libertyk12.org
Liberty Middle School
- Jill Buday, School Psychologist
jbuday@libertyk12.org - Michelle Behrman, Guidance Counselor
mbehrman@libertyk12.org - Lynne Diener, School Social Worker
ldiener@libertyk12.org - Linda Krokus, Guidance Counselor
lkrokus@libertyk12.org
Liberty High School
- Amy Dworetsky, School Psychologist
adworetsky@libertyk12.org - Megan Hazen, Guidance Counselor
mhazen@libertyk12.org - Markella Nikolis, Guidance Counselor
mnikolis@libertyk12.org - Kellie White, Guidance Counselor
kwhite@libertyk12.org