Education in the time of COVID-19

What a year! It’s hard to believe we’re 7 months into 2020.

I have put fingers to keyboard so many times since January, but my words have always gotten lost between intent and publishing. So much has happened in the world and in my practice (more on that later) that it’s been difficult to contextualize it all. And now here we are, staring down the beginning of another school year, but under circumstances that no one saw coming. The novel coronavirus has changed the flow of most people’s lives, and now we’re faced with navigating the rough waters of education during a pandemic.

There is conflicting guidance, insufficient resources, fears for health and safety, and frustration all around. Politicians, doctors, scientists and administrators can’t agree on much, and in the midst of these cultural struggles, teachers, staff and students are expected to fulfill the public contract of free and competent education for all. Yikes.

There will be a lot of changes across schools that will complicate life for students and may increase symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. To help families begin to prepare their young scholars for the upcoming changes, I’ve created a newsletter: Education in the Time of COVID. This newletter enumerates some of the unique challenges facing education this fall, and offers tips based on CBT and exposure therapy to help children and adolescents adjust to some of the health and safety requirements.

You can also view last year’s Back to School flyer which outlines general information on transitioning from summer to school-year. Also stay tuned for Managing ‘QUEWS’ During Times of Change, a new pamphlet addressing the potential mental health struggles that are increasing during this pandemic.

Please comment below, or visit us on Facebook and let us know if this is helpful, if you have questions, or if you’ve developed strategies to help your children/students through this challenging time.

Be well!

~Jen