Families and individuals may feel stressed about factors related to the global pandemic, including following public health guidelines, work situations, child care and their children’s remote learning experiences.
As well, you may be concerned about your child’s mental health and well-being. Their new reality of staying home and learning from home is likely a shift from what they are used to.
During these uncertain times, it’s important to pay attention to your health – both physical and mental – and reach out to others who you think may need help.
Here are some helpful tips on things you can do to maintain or gain positive well-being:
- Create and maintain a daily routine. Having regular and predictable activities in place helps maintain a sense of normalcy.
- Practice being kind to others. Showing kindness can help decrease stress and increase mood. Thank someone by email for their kindness or send a message on social media.
- Make self-care a priority. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise or get outside daily.
- Choose your news wisely. Follow the news to stay informed of what’s happening in the world, but choose reputable news sources. Also, take a news break when you’re finding it to be too much. Remember to turn your attention to the positive stories happening around you.
- Remain focused on the factors within your control. Washing hands, wearing a mask; staying home as much as possible, and limiting your in-person interactions with those out outside your household as much as possible.
Here are some tips on talking to your child and helping them to maintain or gain positive well-being:
- Establish a routine for the day and try to stick to it.
- Speak to them about the ways you and the other adults around them are helping to keep them safe. Take time to validate their concerns with your words and your attention.
- Give them space. While it’s important to support your child’s education, also know when they need space and time away from their device.
Want more information and supports?
Information about student well-being and community supports for UCDSB families can be found on the UCDSB website and in our Mental Health & Wellness Virtual Library.
Learn more about mental health from the Canadian Mental Health Association, Children’s Mental Health Ontario, and School Mental Health Ontario websites. Children and youth can also visit the Kids Help Phone.