The Help Show Newsletter: August Issue

from Back to School 2020, Beyond School Supplies

Back to School in 2020, Beyond School Supplies

COFFEE & CONVERSATION: BACK TO SCHOOL

A U G U S T 2 0 2 0 | I S S U E 5

Join us for our upcoming Coffee & Conversation virtual live podcast: August 28 at 6:30pm Central

Throughout the United States, the arrival of August is synonymous with “back to school” season. With the COVID-19 situation gradually stabilizing in some areas, several states are now preparing to reopen their schools following months of forced closure. Some schools plan to start their academic year entirely online and return to the classroom at a later date. However, a large number of people look forward to sending their children back to in-person school 5 days per week, debating that children learn best in an in-person educational environment that is more conducive to learning. Still other institutions plan to introduce a more hybrid model, utilizing both online and in-person learning facilities.

In any case, returning to schools during a pandemic demands sound decision-making and proper planning to develop intentional strategies to manage safety and mental health concerns. Register for our virtual live for guidance address your concerns during this unique back-t- school season.

**Experts believe that teaching adults to deal with their anxiety will help kids keep their stress in control.**

The Challenge

Parents face a difficult decision regarding the best way to educate their children at the start of the 2020-21 school year. It is widely recognized that schools are not just a source of academic learning; they also help develop emotional and social skills, offer physical health classes, and provide mental health support. However, parents are also concerned with the school's ability to enforce safety standards to keep their children safe. Therefore, parents must balance the wide range of information from teachers, other parents, school administrators, and public health experts as they make decisions for their individual children in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mental health concerns for students

Parents must also be prepared to address mental health concerns related to back-to-school. For example, students who have been away from classrooms and have grown closer to their parents (who may have been primarily working from home) are now expected to undergo separation anxiety.

Additionally, students may struggle to re-adjust to a structured routine, which will require strong safety measures if the learning takes place in person. It may also be difficult for students to remain socially distant from their friends who they may not have seen for months. Even the classroom itself may present concerns as students struggle to catch up with the curriculum, so it's more important than ever to support children through this stressful time.

**Among all this chaos and confusion, don’t forget education during COVID may not feel normal, but having a safety plan with appropriate resources can help keep the community safe.**

Parents are the key

Whether learning occurs at home or at school, parents are the key to their children's success.

Get your children back on track with a healthy routine of balanced meals, regular exercise, semi-structured routines, and wholesome sleep.

Reassure your children regarding their safety (but avoid giving excessive reassurance that could lead to over-dependence on parental guidance and inhibit the child's ability to make sound safety choices).

Create a plan to support the behavioral health needs of your children on their educational journey, including by addressing the children's mental health concerns.

Support teens as they practice self-care to address their own mental health needs.

Know when to seek professional help.

Join our upcoming virtual live podcast to learn more about back to school anxiety and how you can become a part of the solution.

Join our upcoming virtual live podcast

Coffee & Conversation: Back To School Friday, August 28th at 6:30pm Central

Register

This is the most unique back-to-school season of our lifetimes, and there are no easy answers. Join our virtual live podcast to learn from experts to help you make the best decisions for your children.

NiEtta Reynolds, MSW

Founder of The Help ShowNiEtta will host our podcast to help us understand the effects of COVID-19 on the mental health of students, emphasizing on reopening of schools. Her goal is to create opportunities for those in need of access to mental health resources and help them overcome challenges in order to lead healthy, productive lives. NiEtta is passionate about educating the community on mental health issues, so she uses her platform to engage people from all walks of life in spreading mental health awareness .

Kenneth Rogers, MD

UT Southwestern Medical CenterDr. Rogers, our podcast's co-host, has over 20 years of experience as a board-certified psychiatrist addressing PTSD and other trauma. His clinical research demonstrates the positive outcomes of intervention through community based mental health programs. He will help lead our discussion regarding the mental health issues that can result from intergenerational trauma, as well as ways to help manage its impacts.

Dr. Tia Crossley Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Tia Crossley is a Licensed Psychologist and LicensedSpecialist in School Psychology. She also holds the credentialas a Health Service Psychologist with The National Registerof Health Service Psychologists. Dr. Crossley has eleven yearsof professional experience providing psychological servicesto schools, mental health clinics, and universities. While inthe school setting, Dr. Crossley served in many administrativeroles to foster the development of upcoming professionals.

In Case You Missed It

Last month's podcast: Intergenerational Trauma

In last month's podcast, we talked about intergenerational trauma related to racism, and mental health, including how and why minorities have limited access to mental health care, how this impacts the prevalence of abuse, and what you can do to help. If you have questions about last month’s podcast, contact info@thehelpshow.org.

Visit our library at www.TheHelpShow.org/podcasts/

The Help Show hosts podcasts to address a wide variety of mental health topics and educate thecommunity to how to access mental health resources.

Mental Health Resources

Get help at www.TheHelpShow.org/podcast-resources/

In addition to the resources addressed on our podcasts, visit our website to find mental resources in the community at any time.

Donate

Support our cause at www.TheHelpShow.org/donate/

You can also donate via CashApp to $thehelpshow or inquire via our website atwww.TheHelpShow.org.

This month, make a difference by donating to Vivify Community Charities as they raise funds for laptops and tablets to support children of low-income families as they return to school.

Register for our next virtual live podcast

Coffee & Conversation

To learn more about schooling amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as how the Help Show benefitsour community, REGISTER NOW for our upcoming virtual live podcast.