It’s Fall 2020 and life is far from “normal.” As we— parents and caregivers— prepare for our kids to start school, the global pandemic continues. We’re emotionally exhausted; our heads are full of worry, fear, anger, blame and stressful questions. We may be working from home, running our household, living far from family support, experiencing economic insecurity, dealing with illness, a sick loved one or the death of someone close. We need to keep our kids healthy, fed, socially engaged, curious and motivated to learn. They may be regressing in their academics and acting out in ways that are unusual for them. Will a hybrid model of schooling work or will they end up at home again, distance learning? It’s a demanding time for everyone—and our kids look to us for guidance on how to respond to stressful situations.

Mary Murphy, PhD will help us create a toolbox of coping skills for ourselves, as well as child-specific recommendations: predictable routines and rituals for self-care; ways to focus on what we can control; how to be flexible and revise plans in the face of new information and changing school situations; and methods to balance daily tasks to reduce stress.

We will offer a second webinar in September to follow-up on changes that may have occurred once school has been in session, as well as small group support discussions between the two presentations.

Co-sponsors:
SPED*NET Wilton; Wilton Youth Council; Weston Youth Services