With Thanksgiving next week and the rest of the holiday season just around the corner, I wanted to re-share this article by the Child Mind Institute, which Mrs. Wolke included in her letter last week: Holidays During the Pandemic: Tips for reducing stress, helping kids cope, and making new traditions. This article underscores important considerations when it comes to planning for this different and unique pandemic holiday season. I hope you'll take a few minutes to read through this short article and begin the holiday prep that works best for you and your family.
 

Hi, everyone! I wanted to share with you this New York Times article Mrs. Wolke recently sent my way: How to Help Kids Open Up About Anything. Sometimes, even with the best intentions, our efforts to get children to open up to us can sometimes have the reverse effect and cause them to clam up or shut down. With the pandemic, virtual learning, and the election, it's more important than ever to create an open and safe space for your child to share what's on their mind. This article by Shanicia Boswell provides some tips to create a safe and supportive environment in which your child can become more inclined to open about anything, good or bad. 

This may come as a surprise, but we’re almost two months into school! And, wow, so much has changed. With change can come a mix of emotions, as well as disagreements and conflict. None of that can be fun. So, I wanted to share a video of me guiding you (and your child) through a loving-kindness reflection that can be a helpful tool to cope with all of the ups and downs.

The Laurence Community was so fortunate to have Dr. Berman return for a Parent Education Series. If you were unable to attend, it's encouraged that you watch the recording as she discusses various strategies that can be helpful for not only your child, but you as well! Additionally, please join me for my upcoming community talks. The topic in discussion will be: "Why and How to Use Play to Improve Interactions and Behaviors". For more information, click "Read More".

Getting stuck coming up with new or different strategies to support your child's distance learning? Click on "Read More" for some practical strategies for elementary-aged children by Jelena Obradović, Stanford Graduate School of Education Associate Professor and Director of the Stanford Project on Adaptation and Resilience in Kids (SPARK) lab!