Supporting Our Children Through Difficult Feelings
Our Dragons are back in school, which feels familiar, but things are also very different. Constant changes over the last nine months have created uncertainty and anxiety in both children and adults. As parents, we are the “Front Line” workers (often with no backup) who support our children when they experience challenges, and I know for many families this situation continues to be stressful and at times overwhelming.
On Tuesday evening, our counseling team led a parent workshop offering tips on how parents can support their children through the pandemic – this workshop is a continuation from the series of workshops they facilitated in the spring. I found the conversation very helpful, so I wanted to share some of what they discussed.
One of the most impactful messages that I took away from Tuesday’s workshop was understanding the need to focus on those things within our control and to let go of those things outside of our control. We can control our own attitudes, how we follow CDC recommendations, and how we demonstrate kindness and empathy to ourselves and others. We cannot control how long this pandemic will last or other people’s attitudes and actions towards it. By focusing on those things under our control we feel more empowered which triggers positive emotions. And when we feel empowered and positive, we are more equipped to support others.
The second message that I took away was that this situation is extremely challenging. Our children will struggle through it, and that is okay. It is difficult to watch our children experience conflict, but we do not always have to swoop in and solve the problem. Uncomfortable feelings are a part of pandemic life. We can accept and cope with those feelings. With love and a sense of safety, children will learn and grow from this experience.
I want to thank our team for facilitating this important conversation and thank all of those who were able to join us. Please know that our community is here to support you and your children through these unprecedented times. Please reach out if there is anything we can do to help as we all navigate this experience together.
Danny Vogelman
Head of School
