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Texas Children's Hospital - Spanish

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13 de mayo de 2021

En Texas Children's Hospital, nuestro compromiso por la seguridad y bienestar de nuestros pacientes sigue siendo nuestra prioridad principal. Especialmente durante estos tiempos críticos. Nos enorgullece ser su primera opción de atención médica y le agradecemos ser parte de nuestra familia en Texas Children's.
Los pacientes de Texas Children's que tengan una cuenta MyChart no tienen que inscribirse a través de este enlace. En su lugar, un recordatorio de cita para la vacuna COVID-19 aparecerá disponible en la sección "Mantenimiento de Salud" de su cuenta MyChart.
En este momento, la vacuna Pfizer está aprobada para aquellos mayores de 12 años, las vacunas Moderna y Johnson & Johnson están aprobadas para aquellos mayores de 18 años.

Por favor vea enseguida una lista completa de preguntas frecuentes y recursos. Es importante observar que la información sobre COVID-19 cambia rápidamente y que esta página será actualizada con la información más reciente a medida que esta se haga disponible.

Cómo podría mi niño recibir la vacuna?

¿Cuál vacuna se le está aplicando a los pacientes?

Como padre de familia o encargado, ¿Seré yo también elegible para recibir la vacuna en Texas Children's?

¿Pueden los hermanos de mi niño recibir la vacuna en Texas Children's?

¿Puede mi niño recibir la vacuna si él/ella tiene síntomas de COVID-19?

¿Debería mi niño recibir la vacuna si ya tuvo COVID-19?

¿Cuándo podrán recibir la vacuna los niños menores de 16 años?

Al momento, la vacuna Pfizer está solo aprobada para personas mayores de 16 años y la vacuna de Moderna está aprobada para aquellos mayores de 18 años, ya que los primeros ensayos clínicos no incluyeron a niños ni jóvenes adolescentes. Tenemos la esperanza que los niños y los jóvenes adolescentes serán elegibles en el futuro, cuando se disponga de seguridad y datos adicionales sobre la eficacia.

¿Cuáles vacunas están actualmente disponibles?

Actualmente se dispone de dos vacunas cuyos fabricantes han recibido autorización de la Administración de Fármacos y Alimentos (FDA) para su uso de emergencia en los Estados Unidos. La primera, producida por Pfizer y BioNTech está autorizada para personas mayores de 16 años. La segunda, producida por Moderna está autorizada para aquellos mayores de 18 años.

¿Que contienen las vacunas?

Ambas vacunas usan mensajeros de ARN (ARNm) en el interior de nano partículas de lípidos para enseñarle al Sistema inmunitario como generar anticuerpos contra una de las proteínas en la superficie de SARS-CoV-2, el virus que causa COVID-19, para que el virus no pueda entrar en las células. Esta tecnología ha sido usada anteriormente para desarrollar vacunas contra SARS, lo cual es la forma en que los fabricantes fueron capaces de desarrollar y mover estas vacunas candidatas a ensayos clínicos con tanta rapidez.

¿Funcionan las vacunas?

La eficacia de las dos dosis de la vacuna Pfizer y BioNTech es del 95%. Esto significa, en ensayos clínicos, que la vacuna previno la enfermedad COVID-19 en un 95% de las personas que fueron vacunadas y solo un 5% de las personas vacunadas desarrollaron la enfermedad COVID-19. Además, la eficacia de las dos dosis de la vacuna Moderna es del 94.1%.

¿Son confiables?

En base a datos preliminares, sabemos que efectos secundarios leves son comunes. Sabemos que si usted es vacunado, debe esperar experimentar algunos efectos secundarios, particularmente después de la segunda dosis. Estos efectos secundarios son comunes y podrían ocurrir después de cualquier vacuna. A pesar de ser incomodos, estos efectos secundarios indican que su sistema inmunitario está respondiendo a la vacuna y está aprendiendo a reconocer el virus para el futuro. La seguridad de las vacunas a corto plazo es algo que está claro.

¿Puede la vacuna COVID-19 enfermarme con COVID-19?

No. La vacuna solamente contiene instrucciones genéticas para producir una de las proteínas del virus. La vacuna no contiene el virus entero, el cual puede reproducirse adentro de su cuerpo. Por lo tanto, la vacuna no puede enfermarle con COVID-19.

¿Cuánto tiempo dura el efecto de la vacuna?

Aun no lo sabemos. A medida que los ensayos clínicos avancen, sabremos más sobre la duración de la inmunidad y si serían necesarias algunas dosis de refuerzo. Por favor manténgase vigilante con las practicas que han comprobado tener éxito a lo largo de la pandemia - use la mascarilla en todo lugar, lávese las manos con frecuencia, mantenga el distanciamiento social y evite reuniones sociales concurridas.

¿Que puedo hacer si mi niño no se siente bien?

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En Inglés 13 de mayo de 2021 En Texas Children's Hospital, nuestro compromiso por la seguridad y bienestar de nuestros pacientes sigue siendo nuestra prioridad principal. Especialmente durante estos tiempos críticos. Nos enorgullece ser su primera opción de atención médica y le agradecemos ser parte de nuestra familia en Texas Children's.

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Texas Children's Hospital

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May 13, 2021

At Texas Children's Hospital, our commitment to the safety and well-being of our patients remains our top priority, especially during this critical time. We are proud to be your choice for care and thank you for being part of our Texas Children's family.
Texas Children's patients who have a MyChart account do not have to register through the link. Instead, a COVID-19 vaccine appointment reminder will be available in the "Health Maintenance" section of their account.
At this time, the Pfizer vaccine is approved for those 12 and older, the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are approved for those 18 and older.

Please see below for a list of frequently asked questions and resources. It's important to note that information about COVID-19 changes rapidly and this page will be updated with the latest information as it becomes available.

How can my child receive the vaccine?

Click here to register for a COVID-19 vaccine. After you complete the registration form, you will be registered to receive a vaccine from Texas Children's when we receive an allocation from the State. You will receive an email when appointments are available.

Which vaccine are you administering to patients?

Currently, we will administer the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Vaccines are allocated by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and patients can choose one of these products as they are made available to Texas Children's by the State.

As a parent or caretaker, will I also be eligible to receive the vaccine through Texas Children's?

Yes, you can currently register for a COVID-19 vaccine. After you complete the registration form, you will be registered to receive a vaccine from Texas Children's when we receive an allocation from the State. You will receive an email when appointments are available.

Can my child's siblings also receive the vaccine through Texas Children's?

Yes, you can currently register them for a COVID-19 vaccine. After you complete the registration form, you will be registered to receive a vaccine from Texas Children's when we receive an allocation from the State. You will receive an email when appointments are available.

Can my child receive the vaccine if they have symptoms of COVID-19?

If your child has symptoms of COVID-19 or is currently considered a close contact of someone with COVID-19, vaccination should be delayed until they have recovered from their illness and criteria is met for them to discontinue isolation.

Should my child receive the vaccine if they have already had COVID-19?

Yes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages vaccination regardless of history of prior symptomatic or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection.

When will children younger than 16 be able to receive the vaccine?

Which vaccines are currently available?

What is in the vaccines?

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines use messenger RNA (mRNA) packaged inside lipid nanoparticles to teach the immune system how to generate antibodies against one of the proteins on the surface of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, so the virus can't enter your cells. This technology has been used before to develop vaccines against SARS, which is how the manufacturers were able to develop and move these vaccine candidates into clinical trials so quickly. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, known as JNJ-78436735 or Ad26.COV2.S, is an adenovirus type 26 modified to produce the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. This adenovirus vaccine is used as a single intramuscular injection, and when it enters a cell it produces the vaccine protein but cannot replicate inside the cell or cause illness.

Do the vaccines work?

Efficacy of two doses of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine is 95%. This means, in clinical trials, the vaccine prevented approximately 95% of COVID-19 disease in people who were vaccinated, and only approximately 5% of vaccinated people developed COVID-19 disease. Efficacy of two doses of the Moderna vaccine is 94.1%. In the U.S., the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was 72% protective. Importantly, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was shown to be 85% protective against severe disease.

Are they safe?

From preliminary data, we know mild side effects are common. We know if you're vaccinated, you should expect to experience some side effects, particularly after the second dose. These side effects are common and may occur after any vaccine. Although uncomfortable, these side effects are a sign that your immune system is responding to the vaccine and is learning to recognize the virus for the future. The short-term safety of these vaccines is clear.

Can a COVID-19 vaccine make me sick with COVID-19?

No. The vaccine only contains the genetic instructions to make a protein of the virus. It does not contain a whole virus that can replicate inside of your body. So, the vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.

How long will the vaccines work?

We don't know yet. As clinical trials progress, we'll know more about how long immunity lasts and if booster doses will be necessary. Please remain vigilant to the practices which have proven successful throughout the pandemic - wear a mask in all settings, wash your hands frequently, maintain social distancing and avoid large social gatherings.
Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine authorized for 12 to 15-year-olds Texas Children's Experts Answering your COVID-19 Vaccine Questions COVID-19 vaccine spotlight on cardiology COVID-19 vaccine spotlight on diabetes and endocrine conditions COVID-19 vaccine spotlight on sickle cell disease Get the vaccine to end COVID-19 Texas Children's prepares and administers COVID-19 vaccine to workforce
What can I do if my child is not feeling well?

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En Español May 13, 2021 At Texas Children's Hospital, our commitment to the safety and well-being of our patients remains our top priority, especially during this critical time. We are proud to be your choice for care and thank you for being part of our Texas Children's family.

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Free sessions via Zoom

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Spanish flyer

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App for phones

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The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

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Helps parents talk to their kids about the disasters they may face and know how best to support them throughout-whether sheltering-in-place at home, evacuating to a designated shelter, or helping your family heal after reuniting. This mobile app is also a great resource for teachers and other professionals involved in children's lives. This is the iOS version of the app.
Mobile App Privacy Policy

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Helps parents talk to their kids about the disasters they may face and know how best to support them throughout-whether sheltering-in-place at home, evacuating to a designated shelter, or helping your family heal after reuniting. This mobile app is also a great resource for teachers and other professionals involved in children's lives.

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The National Child Traumatic Stress Network 

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The National Child Traumatic Stress Network 

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Many different resource options

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The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

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The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

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CFTSI is a brief (5‐8 session), evidence‐based early intervention for children 7 to 18 years old that reduces traumatic stress reactions and the onset of PTSD. CFTSI is implemented within 30-45 days following a traumatic event or the disclosure of physical or sexual abuse.

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Their Tears and Fears, Masks and More: How to Help Your Child Thrive in the New Normal

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Their Tears and Fears, Masks and More: How to Help Your Child Thrive in the New Normal

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How to help your child thrive in the new norma l

If anyone had told you last year to prepare for life as you know it to change to an almost unrecognizable form, what would you have said? Done? How would you have explained it to your children? Would you have? You would have had the gift of time to plan a way to cope and form a new life.

We did not have that luxury of time, maybe a few months but the time we had was filled with such intensity, anxiety, and uncertainty that we found ourselves in a sort of, "survival mode" instead of a preparation mode. Schools, stores, and restaurants closed and the quarantine began.

We became homeschool teachers and therapists to our special needs children, while somehow keeping one eye on the ever-important need to "flatten the curve." We waited, worked, and tried to keep our children calm.... and then, slowly, it was time to "open up" the world.

For many of us, this is an anxiety-provoking concept. But, for our special needs children, who work so hard to manage life, the thought of re-learning the world in its "new normal" state can be overwhelming. Sanitizing, social distancing, masks, and then to add to the picture, the world's protests, and issues.

The "new normal" is the term used. But it is anything but normal. And how do we help our special needs children navigate it? How do we help ourselves to be the best we can be for our children? Our stress and anxiety can quickly become theirs. I brought these concerns and others to some professionals in different areas to get their advice, and hopefully, their words and advice will be ones you can use as you navigate now and in the future.

I thought a "question and answer" format would help get everyone's points well understood. Here we go...

Q: The world is changing so quickly around us, if your child watches television, is on the Internet, or any social media, the world's protests, and emotions are forefronts in the news. If your child has questions or you need to help them understand the riots or protests, how do you begin? I posed these concerns to Mary and Jill.

Mary: "Focus on the "now" and the process of acceptance of people and the importance of your voice being heard in a peaceful way. There are many ways to express yourself peacefully, and the protests are one way."

Jill: "Protests, riots, and social inequality just can be simplified to "tension," and when tension is high, it has to be released like a tea kettle, when it reaches its boiling point-it whistles. When humans reach a boiling point or have had enough, they scream or act out. There are deeper cultural issues here for sure. An individual child can learn to stop it from progressing that far because the signs are there. Learning our own personal "triggers" will stop the escalation from getting that far."
"Sort out feelings. We all have feelings regarding something...how we play out our tension is to learn to go within. How does that make my body or voice want to act out...protest or just be?" And then they can begin to understand the feelings at the root of the actions."

"Educate yourself. Watch documentaries. Read. Listen and discuss books. Listen to podcasts. Learn to understand."
**Q** As we talk about expressing emotions and understanding feelings, we can see the critical need for communication. It is so very important for all of us and especially for our children as they may have limited abilities to express themselves fully. How do you make sure to foster communication?
Mary: "There is one way to make communication as open as can be, and that is a regular daily/nightly talk about what is happening with the means of communication that is most suited to your child. For some, it can be simply talking on the phone to a friend, email a quick hello, or a zoom call."

Michele: Mary terms this connecting, and we are doing that with Elizabeth, who finds it fun to "connect" by mailing postcards to her friends and texting (these were all ideas given to us by Mary). My understanding is that the "connecting" helps close the void of isolation that our children can feel from having all their plans and social outlets removed. But, it is all about reaching the child where they are and helping them. So whatever manner that you can begin a conversation with your child, as Mary said, is the place to start. And then grow it from that point.
**Q** I know as adults we may find ourselves dreading putting on a mask or perhaps find ourselves reaching "really quickly" around someone at the store or realizing you forgot to take sanitizer with you. We are trying to remember these new things and we struggle...so how can we help our children understand it virus, precaution and it all? I took this pretty important topic to Jen, Jill and Mary Jen offered these tips for helping your child learn and cope with all the new precautions.
"Tell the children the truth and answer questions in developmentally appropriate and simple ways" (Ex: We wear masks to keep everyone safe).

"Create short storybooks for our 'new normal' and help support new routines."

"Practice new suggested regulations (mask-wearing, social distancing, etc...) at home and in naturally occurring opportunities."

"Prepare a child before going out in public (about the changes) and allow extra time for them to process the expectations."

"When social distancing, provide reminders to wave instead of handshakes/hugs. Use pictures, model social behaviors for them, use a visual spot on the floor for them to stand on to help maintain expected social distance from others."
For those whose children have sensory issues, Jen offered:
Advertisement:

"When wearing masks: set a time limit, allow for short breaks from wearing a mask in a safe space (in the car, for example).

"If sensitive to touch, wear a mask that ties around the head instead of masks that loop around the ears or use cotton balls as a cushion under ear loops."

"when sanitizing and/or washing hands, make it part of their daily routine and keep it consistent. Find a song that they can sing for 20 seconds in order to help them clean hands thoroughly.

"Create or establish a calming area for your child, where they can go if they become overwhelmed."

Jill said: "Coronavirus regarding healthy versus sick. It is true, people get sick with some virus or bacteria all the time. This virus stands out due to its quick and unpredictable elements of attack. There are ways to minimize a high risk: Wash our hands, take vitamins, eat healthy. Explaining to our children that "wearing a mask helps us help others stay healthy." The masks "keep our germs/spittle to ourselves." Explain that we are helping others as well as ourselves.

"Keeping our distance shows respect for personal space"

"Everyone doing their part to lessen the contagion factor shows respect, courage, strength, good character and teamwork"
**Q** So much pressure on us during this time has resulted in increased numbers of people seeking help for anxiety and depression. We can all admit to feeling such extra emotions during this time. And if you are like me, you are making sure to find ways to manage these emotions. Maybe it is a walk, talking to a friend, prayers? But, what about the times when our stress makes helping and dealing with our children's emotions just a bit too much? When we are in such a tough place at that moment when our children show their anxiety or needs, how do we manage our stress in such a way as to not "give" our child our anxiety?
Jill's advice on feelings: "Speak only the truth, I am having trouble processing my feelings. I am having a hard time naming my feeling. Try to recognize your triggers."

"My advice to parents when feeling stressed? Dance it out. Draw. Meditate. Re-read this article. Look within yourself and express your truth, lovingly and kindly, and with compassion to yourself-model good behavior. Ask your child what they would do if you were tired or cranky- listen to the answer. Reach out of your comfort level and try something new. Be cautious, not fearful. Concerned, not angry. Comforting, not pitying. Speak from a place of love."

Two helpful slides for parents/caregivers: Greg provided these two slides that illustrate the need for us as parents and caregivers to find that calmer place before we can really help our children.

And like Mary said, "Take a deep breath to slow the intensity."

A big THANK YOU again to all who helped make this article as informative as it is.
Life these days is dynamic, always changing, always needing one eye on the "now" and one eye on what is coming next. All with the goal of helping our individual worlds navigate the best we can.

I hope the information and resources provided to help you and your family.
Here are the names of the professionals who helped me with this article. Thank you to all for your time and expertise.
Jen Bunch, OTR/L, 4 years experience working with adults and children with focus on motor development, sensory integration and mental health and wellness

Jill Lewis, LMT, practicing massage, Cranial Sacral Therapy, reiki for over 25 years at Jill's Touch. Her goal is to help everyone learn to self-heal, self-express and self-correct. She is a mom of 2, a cancer survivor and lover of life!

Mary Padula, MA, CCC/SLP, TLP-C/BC-C, Neurodevelopment Program Consultant, author of "Navigating the Therapy World." Full disclosure, she is our beloved therapist for Elizabeth for over 21 years, our quarterback on our journey.

Greg Santucci, MS, OTR, Executive Director of Power Plan Pediatric Therapy www.powerplaytherapy.com

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Their Tears and Fears. Masks and More: How to Really Help Your Child Thrive in the New Normal - Parenting Special Needs Magazine

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How to help your child thrive in the new normal: If anyone had told you last year to prepare for life as you know it to change to an almost unrecognizable form, what would you have said? Done? How would you have explained it to your children? Would you have?

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There's No Monster Outside It's a Virus booklet - Spanish

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There's No Monster Outside It's a Virus booklet - Spanish

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No hay ningún mounstro afuera; es un virus (rla) version final, Julio 5, 2020

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There's No Monster Outside It's a Virus booklet - English

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There's No Monster Outside It's a Virus booklet - English

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There's No Monster Outside It's a Virus Book English Final

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Supporting your Children's Mental Health as they return to school during COVID

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Supporting your Children's Mental Health as they return to school during COVID

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The coronavirus outbreak has caused major disruptions to daily life and children are feeling these changes deeply. While the return to school will be not only welcome but exciting for many students, others will be feeling anxious or frightened. Here are tips to help your children navigate some of the complicated emotions they may be facing with going back to school.

My child is scared to go back to school. How can I help him feel at ease?

Starting school or starting a new school year can be stressful at the best of times, let alone during a global pandemic. You can make him feel at ease by having an open conversation about what it is that's worrying him and letting him know that it's natural to feel anxious.

Children may feel nervous or reluctant to return to school, especially if they have been learning at home for months. Be honest - for example you could go through some of the changes they may expect at school, such as needing to wear forms of protective clothing like masks. Children may also find it difficult being physically distanced from friends and teachers while at school - you could encourage them to think about other ways to bond and stay connected.

Reassure children about safety measures in place to help keep students and teachers healthy and remind children that they can also help prevent germs spreading by washing their hands with soap and coughing or sneezing into their elbow.

Remind children about the positives - that they will be able to see their friends and teachers (if they are physically returning to the classroom) and continue learning new things.

My child's school is recommending the wearing of protective clothing, which is making my child feel more nervous. What should I say to her?

Approach this conversation with empathy, saying that you know she is feeling anxious about coronavirus, but that it's healthy to talk about our worries and emotions. Children may also get upset or frustrated if they are finding it hard to wear masks, especially when running or playing. You can reassure your children that lots of adults are working hard to help keep your family safe, but emphasize that it's important we all follow the recommended measures to take care of more vulnerable members of our community.

How can I encourage my child to follow precautions (such as frequent handwashing, physical distancing, etc.) at school without alarming her?

One of the best ways to keep children safe from COVID-19 and other diseases is to simply encourage regular handwashing. It doesn't need to be a scary conversation. Sing along with their favourite song or do a dance together to make learning fun. Make sure to teach them about how even though germs are invisible, they could still be there. When children understand why they need to wash their hands, they're likely to continue doing so.

You can also show children how to cover a cough or a sneeze with their elbow, and ask them to tell you if they start to feel like they have a fever, cough or are having difficulty breathing.

>> Read everything you need to know about washing your hands

My child is not part of the same group as his close friends returning to school and is feeling even more isolated. How can he feel more connected to the classroom and his friends?

If your child's school starts to return gradually, your child may be anxious about being separated from his friends. When the official reopening of schools is announced, help him get ready to return to school by sharing information on when and how this will happen.

Letting your kids know ahead of time that schools may need to close again will help them to be prepared for the period of adjustment ahead. It's also important to continue to remind them that learning can happen anywhere - at school and at home.

For those with access to the Internet, safe and monitored use of online games, social media and video chat programmes can provide great opportunities for children to connect with, learn and play with their friends, parents and relatives while at home. You could also encourage your children to use their voices online to share their views and support those in need during this crisis.

You can encourage your children to take advantage of digital tools that get them up and moving, like online exercise videos for kids and video games that require physical movement. Remember to balance online recreation with offline activities, including time outside, if possible.

>> Learn 5 ways to help keep children learning during the COVID-19 pandemic

How can I gently check in to see how my child is coping?

It's important to be calm and proactive in your conversations with children - check in with them to see how they are doing. Their emotions will change regularly and you need to show them that's okay.

Whether at school or at home, caregivers can engage children in creative activities, such as playing and drawing, to help them express and communicate any negative feelings they may be experiencing in a safe and supportive environment. This helps children find positive ways to express difficult feelings such as anger, fear or sadness.

As children often take their emotional cues from the key adults in their lives - including parents and teachers - it is important that adults manage their own emotions well and remain calm, listen to children's concerns, speak kindly and reassure them.

>> Read more on how to protect your family's mental health in the face of COVID-19

Is there anything I should look out for as my child starts back at school?

In addition to checking in on your child's physical health and learning when she goes back to school, you should also keep an eye out for signs of stress and anxiety. COVID-19 may be impacting your child's mental health, and it's important to demonstrate that it's normal and OK to feel overwhelmed at times. When in doubt, empathy and support are the way to go.

There have also been concerns that incidents of stigmatization and bullying may increase when children return to school, due to some of the misinformation around COVID-19. You should explain that the virus has nothing to do with what someone looks like, where they are from or what language they speak. If they have been called names or bullied at school, they should be encouraged to tell a trusted adult. Remind your children that everyone deserves to be safe at school and online. Bullying is always wrong and we should each do our part to spread kindness and support each other.

My child is worried about bullying at school and online, how can I talk to them about it?

If your child is worried about bullying either in person or online, it's important to let them know that they are not alone and they can always talk to you or another trusted adult. The more you talk to your children about bullying, the more comfortable they will be telling you if they see or experience it. Check in with your children daily and ask about their time at school and their activities online, and also about their feelings. Some children may not express their emotions verbally, so you should also look out for any anxious or aggressive behaviour that may indicate something is wrong.

You should also engage your children in open and honest conversations about how to stay safe online. Have an honest dialogue with your children about who they communicate with and how. Make sure they understand the value of kind and supportive interactions and that mean, discriminatory or inappropriate contact is never acceptable. If your children experience any of these, encourage them to tell you or a trusted adult immediately. Be alert if you notice your child becoming withdrawn or upset, or using their device more or less than usual, it could be a sign that they are being bullied online.

It's also important to familiarize yourself with your child's school's safeguarding and bullying policies, as well as the appropriate referral mechanisms and helplines available.

>> Read more about how to keep your child safe online while stuck at home during the COVID-19 outbreak

>> Cyberbullying: What is it and how to stop it

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Supporting your child's mental health during COVID-19 school returns

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The coronavirus outbreak has caused major disruptions to daily life and children are feeling these changes deeply. While the return to school will be not only welcome but exciting for many students, others will be feeling anxious or frightened. Here are tips to help your children navigate some of the complicated emotions they may be facing with going back to school.

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Parenting Special Needs Magazine July_August 2020

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With the ever-changing status of schools and many parents working from home without childcare for the foreseeable future, it's hard not to start spiraling. Responsibilities seem endless, the situation dire, and it seems like time to yourself has become a thing of the past...

Take a deep breath. Literally. Feel a little better?

These are trying times, but incorporating mindful practices into your daily routine can help calm anxiety and build healthy coping skills. Here are some tips from our clinicians on making mindfulness work for you and your family.

Being mindful is what it sounds like. Taking time to focus on the present, being intentional and thoughtful about where you are and how you are feeling. Trying to center your thoughts and be in the moment. Sounds simple, but it takes work, especially now when concerns about what the future holds feel so pressing. Mindful activities can help. "Mindfulness isn't complicated," says Jill Emanuele, PhD, Senior Director of the Mood Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute. Here are some simple activities she recommends:

Squeeze Muscles: Starting at your toes, pick one muscle and squeeze it tight. Count to five. Release, and notice how your body changes. Repeat exercise moving up your body.

Belly Breathing: Put one hand on your stomach and one hand on your chest. Slowly breathe in from your stomach (expand like a balloon) and slowly breathe out (deflate).

Mindful Meal: Pay attention to the smell, taste and look of your food. No multitasking.

Meditation: Sit in a relaxed, comfortable position. Pick something to focus on, like your breath. When your mind wanders, bring your attention back to your breath.

Blowing Bubbles: Notice their shapes, textures and colors.

Coloring: Color something. Focus on the colors and designs.

Listening to Music: Focus on the whole song, or listen specifically to the voice or an instrument.

Right now much of the personal time that used to be part of our daily routines - commutes, time alone at home, going to the store - is not available. This means it's extra important to be intentional about creating space to recharge. Deciding to set time aside each day to practice mindful activities is a great place to start, says Dr. Emanuele. "The morning, before everyone is awake, can be a great time to really ground yourself." Morning mindfulness can help set the tone for the day. "Do deep breathing, meditate, exercise, whatever mindfulness activity works for you," she recommends. Mindfulness doesn't have to be elaborate: "You can try mindful eating or mindful drinking with a cup of coffee. Sit there and just be in the moment. That's mindfulness. Taking five minutes to do that before the day begins is even more important now because this is not our typical routine and we're going to feel very, very out of sorts."

Right now it can feel like trying to do ten things at once is the only way anything will get done. For example, trying to fold laundry, make dinner and watch your child all while on a work call.

But, explains Joanna Stern, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, multitasking rarely works, and can actually increase stress. "Multitasking is a myth," says Dr. Stern. Instead, she suggests achievable goals for the day, trying to focus on one thing at a time. For example, scheduling work calls during naptime, allowing kids to have a little extra screen time while you make dinner, or asking older children to help fold the laundry while you finish cleaning up.

Mindfulness, explains David Anderson, PhD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, is "Anything that helps everyone take a moment to slow down, stay present, and come together." Designating time to practice mindful activities as a family will help everyone feel less anxious. It could be a daily family yoga session, or a quiet walk in the woods as a group, taking time to focus on the way the air feels, the sound of the birds and the smell of the trees. Another good family mindfulness idea is asking everyone to mention one good thing they heard or saw that day over dinner.

This situation is one of extreme uncertainty. We don't know what will happen, how long it will last or what things will be like when it's over. One thing we do know, however, is that worrying about it won't change the outcome. Learning how to tolerate the uncertainty is a huge part of building healthy coping skills for ourselves, which we then want to model for our children. "Right now it's very easy to let your brain spin out with the frightening possibilities," warns Dr. Anderson. "Practicing mindfulness helps bring us back to the present, and away from the brink."

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How Mindfulness Can Help During COVID-19 - Child Mind Institute

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With the ever-changing status of schools and many parents working from home without childcare for the foreseeable future, it's hard not to start spiraling. Responsibilities seem endless, the situation dire, and it seems like time to yourself has become a thing of the past... Take a deep breath. Literally.

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5 Minute Move | Kids Workout 1 | The Body Coach TV

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Learn about Coronavirus

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May/June 2020

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Parenting Special Needs Magazine May/June 2020

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If you search for mental health, you may find apps to help with your emotional health and much, much more. Check out the entire site and you may find something new and different.

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BridgingApps and Easter Seals Houston are committed to your health and safety. This information is not intended to be medical advice. Please see your doctor if you have any medical questions. What is it: A new virus that has spread...

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BridgingApps and Easter Seals Houston are committed to your health and safety. This information is not intended to be medical advice. Please see your doctor if you have any medical questions. What is it: A new virus that has spread...

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Activity booklet

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A way to help calm children

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Kids have all sorts of big feelings. They may feel sad, nervous, or frustrated, just to name a few feelings. And they may have trouble calming down. Sesame Street to the rescue, once again!

Through videos with some our favorite Sesame Street characters, the Muppets are here to offer some pretty fabulous kid-appropriate calming techniques.

'Belly Breathing' with Rosita

Rosita knows what kids are going through right now - because she also gets frustrated when she can't go to the park with Elmo! To help her calm down, she practices 'belly breathing.'

In the Sesame Street video she teaches kids how to calm down by focusing on their breathing. She encourages kids to put a hand on their belly, breathe in through their nose, and breathe out through their mouth.

When I showed my kids the video, they copied her every move. They loved watching one of their favorite Sesame Street characters teach them how to catch their breath and calm down. And I know we'll be using this 'belly breathing' technique in the future! (This calming technique with Rosita originally aired during the CNN and Sesame Street Town Hall " The ABC's of Covid-19.")

Monster Meditations with Cookie Monster

Sesame Street also launched a series of 'Monster Meditations' in partnership with Headspace. The concept is fabulous. Headspace is a company focused on helping people with mindfulness and meditation. By featuring our favorite furry monsters from Sesame Street, they're able to teach little ones how to meditate in a way that's kid friendly and accessible.

The first video was with Cookie Monster, who, let's be honest, can get super excited when he knows he's about to get some cookies! To help him calm down, he does a Monster Meditation focused on using his senses. But what happens when he uses his senses to smell cookies in the oven? He gets super excited again! To help him relax, he does what Rosita does: belly breathing.

Belly breathing truly is an amazing technique that helps kids slow down and calm down.

In addition to these fabulous calming techniques for kids, Sesame Street recently created a wealth of new resources that kids are loving right now. There's virtual play dates with Elmo, snack chats with Cookie Monster, and phone calls with their favorite Sesame Street muppets. Bonus: you can even read 100 Sesame Street books for free!

Will you be trying Rosita's belly breathing technique with your kiddos?

SOME MORE OF OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITIES:

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Sesame Street Is Teaching Kids 'Belly Breathing' and Calming Techniques

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Kids have all sorts of big feelings. They may feel sad, nervous, or frustrated, just to name a few feelings. And they may have trouble calming down. Sesame Street to the rescue, once again! Through videos with some our favorite Sesame Street characters, the Muppets are here to offer some pretty fabulous kid-appropriate calming techniques.

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Simple Activities for Children and Adolescents

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Simple Activities for Children and Adolescents

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Different activities to engage your children

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One-on-one time

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This coloring book includes a parent guide

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Keeping it Positive

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Structure Up

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Misbehavior

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Keep calm and Manage Stress

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Talking about COVID