News

Helping parents and caregivers stay mentally and physically healthy

August 18, 2020

There is a lot of advice available online right now about how to keep yourself physically healthy during the coronavirus pandemic such as staying physically active, washing your hands, wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing. Managing your mental health during this time is just as vital to your overall well-being.

As the school year begins, parents and caregivers are feeling the extra anxiety and stress about keeping their families safe. It is more important than ever to have realistic expectations about how much we can truly control during these ever-changing times. Whatever the conditions, keeping a positive outlook and communication lines open with children, teachers and family will help ease the tensions of daily challenges.

Below are a few resources that can be helpful in maintaining your family’s mental health and transitioning back to school in a COVID-19 environment.

• Anxiety and Depression Association of America – provides resources to help improve the quality of life for individuals and their families struggling with anxiety and depression.
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network – provides resources for children and families related to COVID-19 and the need to shelter in place including; Fighting the Big Virus: Trinka & Sam’s Questions children’s booklet (English and Spanish).
• Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) – provides resources for school officials, parents and caregivers on social emotional learning.
• Help and Hope – Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Coronavirus Resources.
• xSEL Labs – provides ideas for teaching social emotional learning competencies in context, motivating, and staying connected with social support networks.
• Sesame Street in Communities – Family connecting activities and videos in English and Spanish to learn about resilience and emotional health.
• Child Mind Institute – provides strategies for single parenting during COVID-19.