School Counselor

I hope that you are safe and feeling supported during this challenging time.  We are working diligently at WUSD in our efforts to support our students, staff, and community as the situation continues to evolve. As professionals and organizations unite there will be a plethora of great resources available to offer hope and guidance.  I will share some of my current favorites here and invite you to share your resources as well. Please email your principal or me at KLinforth@washingtonusd.org if you or others need additonal resources or support. 

**To begin, please visit www.washingtonusd.org/domain/246 to read tips about managing stress and anxiety during these trying times.

--Click HERE to check out Social Emotional Wellbeing resources from the Monterey County Office of Education

--Click HERE to see Resources for Coping with Mental Health from Monterey County Behavioral Health

**MCBH also added some great opportunites for support and social connection during Shelter-in-Place...see more HERE

--Click HERE for some fun activities you can do at home!

Tips for "How to Set Your Child Up for Success with Virtual School" 

Coronavirus Handout for Students

Coronavirus Parent Handout

30 Things We Can Do For Our Emotional Health

Community Mental Health Resources for Families

Family Resource Share

April Coping Calendar 

Resources to support your family during COVID-19  (great daily tips!)

How to talk about COVID-19 with your children from Kids for Peace

• Meet children where they are.
• Help them feel like they’re in control.
• Be realistic about them getting sick.
• Provide reassurance.
• Keep up a normal routine.

Sources to learn more:

https://imperfectfamilies.com/how-to-talk-with-your-children-about-covid-19/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-talk-to-children-about-the-coronavirus-2020030719111

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hope-resilience/202003/how-talk-your-kids-about-covid-19

https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirus

https://www.counselorkeri.com/2020/03/14/talk-to-kids-about-coronavirus/

Self-care Ideas

We must remember to take care of ourselves so we can take good care of our children!

• Seek accurate information from legitimate sources & set limits around news on COVID-19.
• Look after yourself – exercise & meditate.
• Reach out to others and support people around you.
• Maintain a sense of hope and positive thinking.
• Acknowledge your feelings.
• Take time to talk with your children about the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Ask for professional support.
• Remember you are not alone.

Sources to learn more:

https://www.mhe-sme.org/covid-19/

https://www.verywellmind.com/managing-coronavirus-anxiety-4798909

https://thecounselingteacher.com/2020/04/how-to-relieve-anxiety-during-times-of-uncertainty.html

Mental Health Tips

As more and more people face the prospects of several weeks of quarantine or social distancing, we want to make sure you guys are remaining sane and focused on your happiness. Here are some tips on establishing and preserving your mental health while you work and do everything from home. (From Commanding Life)

Create a routine — Create a sense of normality and productivity through this “new normal.” Begin with a simple task like showering and changing out of your pajamas. Make a to-do list of all the things you want to achieve that day. Lists can make you more focused.

Break up your day — Find tasks to break up your day and, where possible, change your environment for different activities. If you can, move from room to room.

Take care of your body — Eat healthily, get plenty of sleep, and exercise daily. That could include conducting indoor workout classes, stretching, and practicing meditation.

Help others — Find ways to be helpful and spread kindness. This will create positive emotions like pride in yourself.

Stay connected — Make the most of technology and stay in touch with colleagues, friends, and family via phone calls, texts, social media, and video conferencing. Stay in contact with people — virtually — engage in activities that give you pleasure and a sense of meaning, and do what you can to help others, which is a remarkable antidote to depression.

Limit media intake — Stay informed about the situation via reliable sources but limit your news and social media intake to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Fight boredom with various fun activities — Make the most of catching up TV series, reading, and exploring projects you have been putting off. This can help you beat the boredom and stay mentally active.

Avoid burnout — Set strict limits to your work to avoid becoming overwhelmed. If you are working from home, set boundaries on the time you work. Make time to unwind.

Focus on the positives — Amplify good news stories and honor caregivers working tirelessly to resolve the situation.

 Websites with Helpful Resources:

CommonSense Media : Navigate social distancing and school closures with quality media and at-home learning opportunities for your kids. 

--Also from CommonSense Media is www.wideopenschool.org

Kids For Peace: Ideas & Activities for Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic 

Mind Yeti: Mind Yeti is a library of research-based guided mindfulness sessions that help kids and their adults calm their minds, focus their attention and connect to the world around them.