Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Family Emotional Health Resources

Hello Again! As we inch closer to the beginning of what promises to be a unique school year, I wanted to share some awesome resources to help ease the anxiety and begin a self-care routine for everyone. Below, you'll find a number of links, tips, and conversation starters for keeping your family communication open and restorative, in order to help everyone adjust to the "new normal." As always, please reach out to me, or to another trusted support provider, should you or your student need additional support.


Remember, "Put on Your Oxygen Mask Before You Assist Others"

Adult Self-Care is important! here are some ideas for taking time out to relax and ground yourself:

  • Adults and Parents

    • Self care planning

      • 1st Aid - For the moment

        • Netflix

        • Relaxing Music

        • Your Favorite Snack

        • A Bubble Bath

        • A Long Walk

      • For prolonged wellness -

        • Balanced Health - Physical, Mental, and Emotional

        • Healthy diet, daily exercise, routine, mindfulness, yoga or meditation practice

        • Develop a Response Plan

          • Identify triggers/behaviors that set you off

          • What will help you regulate?

            • Before:

            • During:

            • After:


Connect With The Family

  • Family Circles/Meetings -you can choose a scheduled "family circle" day and time if you'd like

  • Use Affective Language-this language expresses emotion and remains neutral when conflicts arise

    • “I feel….”

    • “I am frustrated…”

    • “I am happy…”

  • Authentically engage everyone-from the youngest member of the family, to the oldest 💗

    • All voices heard, valued, and considered

    • Explain why decisions were made

    • Set clear expectations around the decision



Here are Some Ideas/Prompts for Starting Family Circle:

  1. What have you been thinking or feeling as this crisis unfolds?

  2. What are your thoughts about: physical distancing, changes in our jobs, not seeing friends, etc.?

  3. What has been the hardest thing for you?

  4. What ideas can we come up with to move forward?

  5. Who is one person you can reach out to connect with?

  6. What is something in your control you can do during this time?

  7. What are you most grateful for right now?

  8. Have you started anything new to get through this time that you will want to keep moving forward?



Active Listening: Listening with intention, free from distractions, and without interruption:
  • Take time to listen to concerns and remove distractions: turn off TV, put phones away and try not to interrupt or make judgement statements when someone is talking

  • Face-to-face conversations can sometimes result in kids being more quiet

  • Kids often talk more openly when their hands are busy

    • Playing a board game, petting the dog, coloring, or walking together, etc.

  • After you hear thoughts take time to process the information and respond calmly and authentically

  • You are the biggest role model and your reactions and comments have an influence

  • Avoid judgment statements, just listen.


Additional Resources for Parents:

Dr. Cypers 90 Minute Presentation on Supporting Kids With Anxiety


Hey Sigmund, Helping Teens With Anxiety






































No comments:

Post a Comment