The Help Show Newsletter

THE HELP SHOW NEWS LETTER

www.thehelpshow.org

This month's newsletter focuses on how parents can manage their anxieties while adjusting to their new task of homeschooling due to the novel coronavirus. For an in-depth discussion with experts in the field, don't miss our upcoming virtual live podcast.

Mental Health And Homeschool

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The novel coronavirus has forced millions of parents into the role of teachers. Unfortunately, this means children, who have lost the routine and structure of their learning experience, are now receiving online instruction from parents with varying levels of education, technical knowledge, patience, stress, and anxiety.

Many of the new "teachers" are frustrated because they are not currently working due to stay-athome orders or trying to work their full-time job while learning how to be a full-time teacher. Ready or not, life has changed. some parents have fallen into a pattern of their new short-term normal, but most parents are still struggling, and stress and mental health concerns are among the top reasons.

It's important for parents to be mentally ready in order to rise to the challenge of homeschooling. Get the support you need to be effective in your role as an educator and as a parent. Instead of trying to fit the school experience into your home, create the best learning environment that you based on the needs of you and your child. Just do what's best based on your current situation.

Managing Anxiety

It’s normal to feel anxious as part of our daily lives, especially during our current pandemic. But when anxiety becomes overwhelming and negatively impacts, you should meditate, find a your hobby, work out, cultivate your passion in life, or find other ways to manage it.

Fast Facts

40 million adults in the US have anxiety disorder Only 37% with anxiety disorders get treatment Over 2.6 million children have been diagnosed with anxiety or depression About 20% of these children do not regularly receive treatment

Homeschooling

Schools are scattering to provide support and resources to parents in their new roles as homeschool teachers. However, the support and structure of your child's education now start and end at home.

Therefore, it's important to talk to your children about the changes taking place. Help them understand that although the situation is new for us all, there is no reason to panic.

**Mental health management is important**

Patience is perhaps the most important skill for you to demonstrate when homeschooling. Every child is different, and they learn in different ways and at different paces. Set up a designated space for your child's learning, and give him or her time to adjust to the new learning structure.

DO'S

Do allow your child to video chat with someone outside of your home every day. Do create a routine to help your child develop a sense of normalcy.

Do schedule time every day to go for a walk, ride bikes, or some other activity to stay active during the day.

Do create a routine to help your child develop a sense of normalcy.

DO'NT

Don't leave the television on the news all day.

Don't try to hide too much from your children. You may not share all the scary details, but communicate on their level so they don't panic.

Don't ignore your child’s feelings. Protect your child’s mental health.

Mental health management is important for everyone, including our children.

Take advantage of free online resources to add some variety to your learning routine. Most importantly, approach your child's learning curve (and your own problems) with a level head to teach demonstrate how cope with their own anxieties as part of the overall learning process.

Join our next podcast on April 30 at 6:30pm Central time to get answers from our guest experts and learn how to create a manageable, productive learning environment for your child.

Join our upcoming virtual podcast

**NiEtta Reynolds, MSW Host & Founder of The Help Show**
NiEtta's goal is to create opportunities for people to overcome their challenges and lead healthy, productive lives. She is passionate about educating the community on mental health issues, and she uses her platform to spread mental health awareness.

**Kenneth Rogers, MD Co-Host & Board-Certified Psychiatrist**
Dr. Roger has over 20 years of experience addressing anxiety disorders, and he has seen firsthand the longterm mental health issues. He will help lead our discussion regarding the mental health issues and ways to manage the homeschool experience.

**Jamila McKinney Care Manager & Youth Advocate**
Jamila is a behavioral specialist who has been homeschooling for 3 years. She has a passion for women, children, and the family as a whole. This led her to specialize in mental health services and obtain special training for marriage and family therapy.

**Camille Jones, LCSW Director of !joy counseling**
Camille has worked with individuals and families in need of mental health assistance for over 10 years, especially for those in vulnerable communities. As a homeschooling mom to five children, she also has experience provide structure for childhood growth.

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Coffee & Conversation

Thursday, April 30 at 6:30pm Central

Parenting: MentalHealth and Home School

This virtual podcast will address how to manage your anxieties while homeschooling and how to teach those skills to your children.

Don't pass your anxieties to your children.

The Help Show Newsletter

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