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On our way...

Teens & COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities During the Outbreak

4/22/2020

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The #stayhomestayhealthy mandate is slowing the spread of COVID-19, but it also poses challenges to our teens. To say this is a challenging time for our youth would be an understatement. They are being cut off from their friends, missing major life events such as graduation, prom, sports, and college visits,  and other long-planned events are being cancelled or postponed. 

As a teen, how can I get through this? As a parent or caregiver, how can I help my teen get through this?

Work together to create a new normal 

Stick to a schedule - 

Stick to a schedule that works with online learning. 

In the mornings, do whatever you need to start the "school day,"
  • Wake up
  • Exercise
  • Have breakfast
  • Sleep in a little later than usual if it helps

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During the "school day,"
  • Turn off your phone and the TV during "school hours,"  
  • Take planned mini breaks
  • Take a 1-hour lunch - try video chatting your friends while they take their lunch too! 

Make dinner a transition time - 

Use dinner as a transition time between the "school day," and the evening. It's a great time to gather the whole family together to talk and share a meal.
  • Turn off all technology (phone, TV, etc) and be present with each other. 
  • Use this time to take a "break" from talking about COVID-19 and the news. 
  • You've all been cooped up in the house together, but try asking about each others day. You'd be surprised what you can learn about someone's day even when you've been around them all day.
  • Make dinner together as a family, or take turns making dinner. Find some new recipes here. 

Communicate honestly & openly - 

Share information about what is happening

Sit and talk together about what is happening in a calm, factual way. Discuss the facts and correct misinformation when you hear it. Reinforce the basics, such as the importance of frequent hand washing and avoiding touching their face. 

Below are some accurate, up-to-date resources regarding COVID-19:
Pacific County COVID-19 Website 
Washington State Department of Healthy Website

Staying home saves lives - but it also causes stress

Talk about how social distancing is an important way to slow the spread of COVID-19, and how it not only protects them but also those most at risk. Discuss the importance of a "no cheating" rule, and stress that it is not okay to hang out with friends in person or play sports - even if other people are. 

Look forward 

Shift away from what has been lost and identify ways to move on with plans and goals. Make a list of what you'll do once the #stayhomestayhealthy mandate has been lifted, and healthcare professionals deem it safe to resume to normal daily activities and socializing. 
  • Have a movie night with friends
  • Invite relatives over for dinner to whom do not live with you
  • Plan a mini vacation - you may not be able to book the flight yet, but you can start planning your itinerary
  • Go for a hike, dinner and/or shopping with friends, get your hair/nails done
  • Shop online for your new dorm room! 


Stay connected - 

Reach out virtually 

Create a time for all your friends and family to connect! Eat a meal together. Enjoy a cup of coffee together. Watch your favorite show together. Enjoy late night talks together and talk about your day. Make a meal together (cupcakes are always good):

  • Have a Netflix Party and have a movie night virtually. 
  • Eat lunch with your friends virtually! Ask them about their day, talk about your friends and how they are doing - treat this just like lunchtime on a normal school day.
  • Have morning coffee with a friend or family member over Facebook Instagram, Skype, Zoom or the WhatsApp. 
  • Host a virtual dinner. Invite family to sit and enjoy dinner with you virtually. Try eating the meal, or share different recipes. 

Mind and body health - 

  • Go for a walk or run - just make sure you stay 6 feet away from others. Don't want to go alone? Video chat with a friend during your walk, or take a relative with you who lives in the same household. 
  • Read a book - try taking a bath at the same time, or enjoy the sunshine in your backyard. 
  • Try some video workouts
    • Beachbody On Demand offers 2-weeks free
    • Additional free live-streaming classes 
  • Create a video blog of life during the COVID-19 outbreak. 
  • Start a scrapbook showing what it was like to be a teenager during the outbreak. 

Local resources for teens experiencing stress, anxiety and/or depression

South Bend Jr/Sr High School Student Counseling Services
Mrs. Adrianne Lartz, South Bend School Counselor, is providing virtual counseling sessions to South Bend students. For questions or to schedule an appointment, please email her at: alynch@southbendschools.org 

Chauncey Davis Elementary School Student Counseling Services 
Ms. Kayla Camenzind is the social worker for the South Bend School District, serving students preschool - 6th grade. She works with students, staff, and families to support students in becoming academically, socially and emotionally successful. 
Services offered:
- Whole class social / emotional lessons
-Small group social skills
-Brief therapeutic interventions.
For emotional and social support at home, or for questions, please contact Ms. Camenzind at kcamenzind@southbendschools.org

Raymond School District
During this period of remote learning, the Raymond School Counseling Department is offering virtual appointments. This is one way for students and families to continue to have access to school counseling services. 
Counseling appointments will be Zoom video conferencing, phone and/or computer audio. To schedule an appointment please email your school counselor at lowen@raymondk12.org.
If you are a Raymond student and would like to check in with your school counselor complete the form here.

Naselle - Grays River Valley Student Counseling Services
Mr. Justin Laine, School Guidance Counselor, is available by request for students and parents by phone, email or text and willing to connect virtually as needed. Please email Mr. Laine at jlaine@naselleschools.org or call/text at (360) 480-9643.

School Resource Navigators
Provide assistance to youth such as tangible goods, food resources, mental health, referrals , internet and more. 
Call (360) 942-2474 ext 2141 and please leave a message.

True North ESD 113
www.truenorth113.org
Student Assistance & Treatment Services
For more information, please contact Jessica Verboomen jverboomen@esd113.org
Sources of Strength 
A best practice youth suicide prevention project designed to harness the power of peer social networks to change unhealthy norms and culture, ultimately preventing suicide, bullying, and substance abuse. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Teen Link
Teen Link is a group of teen volunteers  trained to listen to your concerns and talk with you about whatever’s on your mind – bullying, drug and alcohol concerns, relationships, stress, depression or any other issues you’re facing. No issue is too big or too small! Calls and chats are confidential. Visit teenlink.org, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Warm Line
Free line to talk to someone when you're going through a difficult time
(800) 698-2392

24 Hour Crisis Line
(800) 884-2298

National Suicide Prevention Hotline
(800) 273-8255 or text "hello" to 741741

Teen Advocacy Coalition 
Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for mental health promotion. 
PO Box 342
​1006 Robert Bush Drive W
​South Bend, WA 98586-0342
360-934-4887 ext. 32104
​
Road 2 Resiliency Coalition 
Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for mental health promotion. 
PO Box 26
1216 West Robert Bush Drive
South Bend, WA 98586-0342
(971) 606-0608
​

More information -

  • Positive Parenting & COVID-19: 10 Tips to Help Keep the Calm at Home
  • Talking to Children about Tragedies and Other News Events
  • Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19 (CDC)
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R2R is Proud to support the only7seconds movement

4/14/2020

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HOPE

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Each week 3,000 HOPE cards are distributed to South Bend School District students in their lunches. These highly crafted and designed cards allow students, families and businesses to take a hold of them as ongoing inspiration and HOPE. 

As we navigate through this turbulent time, these cards allow our students and families to stay connected. 

R2R is proud to support the distribution of the HOPE cards for South Bend Students 

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What is Only7Seconds?

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​ONLY 7 SECONDS
is a positive mindset movement challenging individuals to use their abilities to intentionally fight isolation. Our hope is to spread hope this simple message that we need to CHECK IN (with the people in our lives) instead of CHECKING OUT (by staring at a screen).  Stop the scroll. See the need. Send the text. It's easy and everyone can take 7 seconds out of their days to send a text. 
 



Follow them on Facebook and Instagram! 

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For more information, contact Kristin Wall; email: it onlytakes7seconds@gmail.com;  PO Box 1180; Chelan, WA 98816
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Local Resources to Help my Child with Stress, Anxiety and Depression

4/14/2020

8 Comments

 
Our community is blessed to have compassionate school guidance counselors who are still offering their services to our students during these times. See a full list below and contact them with questions, concerns or to schedule an appointment. You are not alone. #whathelpsus
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​South Bend Jr/Sr High School Student Counseling Services

​Mrs. Adrianne Lartz, South Bend School Counselor, is providing virtual counseling sessions to South Bend students. For questions or to schedule an appointment, please email her at: alynch@southbendschools.org 

Chauncey Davis Elementary School Student Counseling Services

Ms. Kayla Camenzind is the social worker for the South Bend School District, serving students preschool - 6th grade. She works with students, staff, and families to support students in becoming academically, socially and emotionally successful. 
Services offered:
- Whole class social / emotional lessons
-Small group social skills
-Brief therapeutic interventions.
​

For emotional and social support at home, or for questions, please contact Ms. Camenzind at kcamenzind@southbendschools.org

Raymond School District Student Counseling Services 

During this period of remote learning, the Raymond School Counseling Department is offering virtual appointments. This is one way for students and families to continue to have access to school counseling services. 
Counseling appointments will be Zoom video conferencing, phone and/or computer audio. To schedule an appointment please email your school counselor at lowen@raymondk12.org.
If you are a Raymond student and would like to check in with your school counselor complete the form here.

Naselle - Grays River Valley Student Counseling Service

Mr. Justin Laine, School Guidance Counselor, is available by request for students and parents by phone, email or text and willing to connect virtually as needed. Please email Mr. Laine at jlaine@naselleschools.org or call/text at (360) 480-9643.

Additional Resources 

School Resources Navigators 

Our School Resources Navigators provide assistance to youth such as tangible goods, food resources, mental health, referrals , internet and more. Call (360) 942-2474 ext 2141 and please leave a message.

True North ESD-113

www.truenorth113.org
Student Assistance & Treatment Services
For more information, please contact Jessica Verboomen jverboomen@esd113.org
8 Comments

Talking to kids about school staying closed

4/10/2020

5 Comments

 
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Gov. Jay Inslee and Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal announced this week that public and private K-12 schools will stay closed through the end of the 2019–2020 school year. Although schools are closed from providing traditional in-person instruction, education will continue. The school districts are working to maintain connections with students and families and provide learning materials and supports over the phone, though email, through printed learning materials, and by using online platforms.

This is a big disruption for our kids! It’s totally normal for kids to have multiple and mixed emotions right now. They may miss their friends. They may be sad to miss anticipated milestones, field trips, or projects. They may worry about how this time will affect their future education. They may revel in the release from the structure of the school day or they may struggle to adjust to this new routine. And different kids will need differing types of support to best take advantage of the learning opportunities offered by their school.

Here are some tips that may help you and your child navigate this stressful time:
  • Help your kids find positive ways to express their feelings. Sometimes engaging in a creative activity, such as playing or drawing, can help them. Maybe extra physical activity will help them manage their emotions.
  • As much as you can, maintain a sense of the familiar and a routine for your child’s daily life.
  • Encourage your kids to stay connected with their friends. Can they text or call their friends? Can they Skype with a younger friend or cousin and read them a book? Reading to a younger child is great learning for both the reader and child being read to.
  • During times of stress, some children may need more attention and emotional connection from their parents. Be prepared to give lots of extra hugs, stories, and time.
  • Talk to your kids about COVID-19 in an honest and age-appropriate way. Sometimes a little bit of information and a lot of imagination can make life scarier than it needs to be. Help your children understand that we are all staying home to protect ourselves and our communities. Listening to them and addressing their concerns may help ease their anxiety.
  • Don’t know where to start? Try this comic created by NPR just for kids explaining novel coronavirus.
​
Practice Compassion: 
Remember that our kids are watching us to understand their own reactions. Take this opportunity to teach them about empathy and compassion. Remind them of a time they felt sick. What was that like? What helped them feel better? What can they do to help someone who is sick?



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  • Home
  • WHAT WE DO
    • Prevention 101
    • Acronym Cheat Sheet
  • OUR ROADMAP
    • Meet Our Board
    • Bylaws
    • 2021-22 Meeting Minutes
    • 2019-20 Meeting Minutes
    • 2017-18 Meeting Minutes
  • CONNECT
    • Resiliency Rockstars
    • Rockstar Nominations
    • Become a Member
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Healthy Living & Nutrition
  • Mental Health Promotion
  • Opioid Prevention
    • Opioid Overdose Education
    • Talking To Your Friend
    • Resources for Parents and Caregivers
    • Talking To Your Youth
    • Safe Disposal
    • Safe Storage
    • Recovery & Support Groups
  • Prevention Newsletter