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Week 1 Promoting Social & Emotional Learning at Home: Optimistic Thinking 

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Week 1 Promoting Social & Emotional Learning at Home: Optimistic Thinking 

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https://www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/stories/article/2013

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Helping Kids, Teens and Families who are already grieving a death, cope during COVID-19

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Helping Kids, Teens and Families who are already grieving a death, cope during COVID-19

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A webpage dedicated to grief and loss with special consideration given to Social distancing

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As mental health professionals who have experienced significant losses ourselves, we know individual grief is unique and there is no "right" way to cope. Our goal is to create a community that provides hope, creative expression, support, and education to anyone wishing to understand the complicated experience of life after loss.

What's Your Grief wrote a book! Although grief is immensely complex, our philosophy has always been that the best way to cope is one step at a time. This is a book to help you do just that.

We post a new article to What's Your Grief about once a week. Subscribe to stay up to date on all our posts.

What's Your Grief does not receive funding or grants to help our operational costs. If you've ever benefited from this community and would like to help us continue our work, please consider donating. We're a program of Fusion Partnerships, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. You can make a one-time or monthly donation in support of What's Your Grief. You also may give in memory of a loved one.

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Whats your Grief - A Grief Website for the Rest of Us

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What's Your Grief is a grief website and online community for grieving people and grief support professionals. We honor all types of loss and grief.

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The Good Grief Program provides support, information and referral to
kids, teens and parents & caregivers who have experienced a loss.
669-1120 (general information)
668-1207 (grief support)

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The child bereavement program titled Good Grief was established in 1988 to help children process grief after death. Because the grief cycle is unique to each child and often differs by the developmental stage of life, our bereavement programs are tailored by age. Support and care are provided by trained professionals who understand the trauma and immense suffering children are going through. All services are free of charge.

"No child here wants to be part of this awful loss club, but here they are safe to express themselves, be sad, have fun and they are completely accepted and understood by their peers as every child here has experienced a huge loss."

- Parent of a Good Grief participant

Good Grief Line: 603-668-1207
goodgrief@friendsofaine.com

Good Grief Kids

Good Grief Kids offers caring support to bereaved elementary and middle school children, ages 4-13. Groups are facilitated by trained volunteers and help children connect with other bereaved children to learn they are not alone in their sadness. Children are grouped according to age to participate in activities such as writing, art, puppet play and other child-focused programs.

* Pre-registration required
* Sessions meet bi-weekly from September to June
* All services are FREE, there is no cost to participate
Good Grief Kids Flyer
Good Grief Teens

Good Grief Teens is a support group created by and for bereaved high school students, ages 14-18. Teens are welcomed to a safe place to process their loss with peers who understand what they are going through. Our trained volunteers provide coping tools for the journey, helping young adults to effectively manage the emotions and sadness that follow a devastating loss.

Each session encourages young adults to process and express their grief however they feel most comfortable. Sessions alternate between on-site activities such as collage, writing or yoga and off-site adventures such as hiking, rock-climbing or exploring grief in a film.

* Pre-registration required
* Sessions meet monthly from September to June
* All services are FREE, there is no cost to participate
Good Grief Teens Flyer
Good Grief Parents and Caregivers

Parents and caregivers connect with staff in their own support group to learn how to best meet the needs of their grieving children. Groups are held at the same time and location as the child and teen programs.

The Good Grief Program was founded in 1988 by Home Health & Hospice Care, a non-profit organization who is honored to have Friends of Aine continue this meaningful work.

For more information on the Good Grief programs, please contact us today.

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The Good Grief Program - Friends of Aine

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Bella shares her thoughts on how the Good Grief program helped after the loss of her sister Aine. The child bereavement program titled Good Grief was established in 1988 to help children process grief after death.

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Provides bereavement services to children, teens and families. Contact Kara Valin at 420-1919 for more information.

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https://waypointnh.org/programs/the-family-support-warm-line

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New songs, animated Sesame Street spots, and an ongoing release of resources to help caregivers and young children worldwide navigate their new realities in the coming weeks and months

(New York, NY) - Building on last week's launch of the Caring for Each Other initiative, Sesame Workshop is rolling out brand new content to help families stay physically and mentally healthy as the coronavirus pandemic continues. Today's release on SesameStreet.org/caring includes animations on healthy habits, resources providing comfort, and activities that caregivers can use to spark learning in areas like reading, math, science, and more. The animated spots, which will be available in 18 languages, include Elmo's new "Washy Wash" song (updating the popular " Brushy Brush"), as well as Sesame Street Muppets learning how to sneeze properly and how caring for yourself means caring for each other.

Like many children and families, the beloved Sesame Street Muppets and friends are spending time at home and connecting with friends and family virtually. New messages of love, kindness, and fun will be posted on a regular basis on Sesame Street social media channels, including Snack Time with Cookie Monster, Singalong with Elmo, Move & Groove with Abby Cadabby and Grover, and Story Time with Alan.

"Sesame Street is there for children and families whether it's a sunny day or a stormy one, and unfortunately many families are facing unprecedented challenges right now," said Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, Senior Vice President of US Social Impact, Sesame Workshop. "Through Caring for Each Other,we're committed to supporting families for the duration of this crisis and beyond-equipping them with the tools they need to get through this together and look to the future with hope and optimism."

The new animated spots will be distributed through a wide range of partners in the US and globally, including HBO, PBS KIDS, and local PBS stations, Univision, the Ad Council, YouTube, Sesame Street in Communities partners, and international broadcast partners. They will be available in the coming days in languages including English, Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Bangla, Dutch, Dari, German, Hausa, Hebrew, Hindi, Japanese, Kurdish, Mandarin, Pashto, Portuguese, Rohingya, and Somali, Swahili, and additional dialects.

Additional tools debuting today on SesameStreet.org/caring include coping strategies, child-friendly explanations to tough questions, and ways to help everyone stay healthy. Also included are self-care tips for caregivers: as grownups try to adjust to their "for now normal," it's important that they take care of themselves so that they can best care for their children. Additionally, families can sign up for a weekly guide to new Sesame Street activities and strategies here.

"As families around the world adjust to their new realities, parents and caregivers are looking for help in creating new routines, staying healthy, and fostering learning at home," said Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, Senior Vice President of Curriculum and Content, Sesame Workshop. " At Sesame Workshop, we're here to support the caring adults in children's lives as they help their children navigate these challenging times."

The Caring for Each Other initiative was Launched last week in response to the unprecedented uncertainty facing young children and families. SesameStreet.org/caring will be updated to meet the needs of families as the situation evolves on an ongoing basis, with resources designed to help parents provide comfort and manage anxiety, as well as help with creating routines, fostering playful learning at home, and staying physically and mentally healthy. Families can also watch Sesame Street episodes on HBO, PBS stations, and the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel, with an expanded offering of free on-demand episodes of Sesame Street on PBS KIDS digital platforms. Additionally, over 110 free Sesame Street ebooks are available on all major ebook platforms.

For interview requests with Sesame Street experts on how children and parents can cope, or needs for additional information, please contact hallie.ruvin@sesame.org or beatrice.chow@sesame.org.
About Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, the pioneering television show that has been reaching and teaching children since 1969. Today, Sesame Workshop is an innovative force for change, with a mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. We're present in more than 150 countries, serving vulnerable children through a wide range of media, formal education, and philanthropically-funded social impact programs, each grounded in rigorous research and tailored to the needs and cultures of the communities we serve. For more information, please visit www.sesameworkshop.org.

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Sesame Workshop Expands 'Caring for Each Other' Initiative to Help Parents and Children During Coronavirus Pandemic | Sesame Workshop

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New songs, animated Sesame Street spots, and an ongoing release of resources to help caregivers and young children worldwide navigate their new realities in the coming weeks and months (New York, NY) - Building on last week's launch of the Caring for Each Other initiative, Sesame Workshop is rolling out brand new content to help families stay physically and mentally healthy as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

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Coronavirus Book for Children

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Child Mind Institute DAILY Live Video Chats with Experts

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Child Mind Institute DAILY Live Video Chats with Experts

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COVID & Kids' Mental Health - Child Mind Institute

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Resources to help support children during the COVID pandemic, from kids' mental health problems to the challenges of remote learning.

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Healthy Schools Campaign: COVID-19 Resource Hub

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Healthy Schools Campaign: COVID-19 Resource Hub

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Healthy Schools Campaign | Helping Children Learn and Thrive

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Skip to main content

At the heart of Healthy Schools Campaign's work has always been a focus on supporting the entire school community. By engaging with parents, teachers, school leaders and policymakers, we help schools increase their capacity to address student health needs and work to ensure that policies are in place to support healthy school environments.

We know many of you are on the front-lines of this crisis, cleaning schools, figuring out distance learning and talking to your children about the global pandemic. This resource hub provides a curated set of resources specific to COVID-19 to help support you. We still offer a full set of resources related to health and wellness in our Resource Center and encourage you to check those out as well.

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COVID-19 Resource Hub | Healthy Schools Campaign

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Skip to main content At the heart of Healthy Schools Campaign's work has always been a focus on supporting the entire school community. By engaging with parents, teachers, school leaders and policymakers, we help schools increase their capacity to address student health needs and work to ensure that policies are in place to support healthy school environments.

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Great resource for families of young elementary age students to assist with self-regulation and social skills.

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Great resource for families of young elementary age students to assist with self-regulation and social skills.

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CSEFEL: Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning

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The National Center for Effective Mental Health Consultation (CEMHC) addresses the needs of Early Head Start/Head Start (E/HS) staff and families for practical guidance on effective ways to promote young childrenís social and emotional development and reduce challenging behaviors.

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Incredible 5 Point Scale/ Self-Regulation- Part II 

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Incredible 5 Point Scale/ Self-Regulation- Part II 

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Rating scales available.

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Hide Transcript Show Transcript

THAT EVERYONE WAS ABLE TO GET OUT SAFELY WELL FROM WORKING FROM HOME TO TEACHING KIDS WHILE THEY LEARN REMOTELY AND ALSO BEING ISOLATED FROM YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. THIS IS CERTAINLY A CHALLENGING TIME. IT'S ALSO SOMETHING THAT COULD TAKE A TOLL ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH. I SPOKE TO A CONQUERED BASED PSYCHOTHERAPIST LYNN LIONS ABOUT THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP YOU THROUGH THESE UNPRECEDENTED. TWO TIMES THERE ARE A LOT OF EVENTS THAT PEOPLE WILL BE MISSING OR CANCELING OR POSTPONING ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME MILESTONE EVENTS. ARE THERE ANY SORT OF EXERCISES PEOPLE CAN DO AT HOME TO SORT OF GET THROUGH THAT OR MORE AND MISSING SOME OF THESE EVENTS? WELL, I DON'T KNOW IF THERE'S SO MUCH EXERCISES. IT'S REALLY FOR ME ONE OF THE ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I SAY WHEN WORRY AND BIG FEELINGS COME UP IS THAT WE DON'T WANT IT TO DOMINATE ALL OF OUR THINKING FOR REALLY LONG PERIOD OF TIME SO SIZING IS GOING TO COME AND GO AND THE THREE WORDS I USE TO TO TALK ABOUT THAT IS THAT WE'RE GOING TO ALLOW THESE THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS TO SHOW UP. OF COURSE, THEY'RE GOING TO SHOW UP. I ALWAYS SAY THAT I COULDN'T DO MY JOB WITHOUT THE TWO WORDS, OF COURSE, SO WE'RE GOING TO ALLOW THOSE FEELINGS TO SHOW UP. WE'RE GOING TO WAKE KNOWLEDGE. HOW REAL AND HOW VALID THEY ARE AND THEN AT SOME POINT WE HAVE TO PIVOT AND BY PIVOT, I MEAN THAT WE HAVE TO SORT OF SHIFT OVER AND DO THE THINGS WE KNOW THAT MAKE US FEEL BETTER. PIVOTING IS VERY DIFFERENT THAN IN DISTRACTION IS MORE ABOUT LIKE OH I CAN'T FEEL THESE THINGS, BUT WE'RE GOING TO ALLOW IT TO BE THERE AND ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I'M TELLING FAMILIES TO DO IS TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE THINGS THAT YOU KNOW, IMPROVE YOUR MOOD. SO IF COOKING FOR YOUR FAMILY IMPROVES YOUR MOOD IF IF GOING OUTSIDE IMPROVES YOUR MOOD I PLAYING WITH YOUR YOUR FRIENDS, EVEN IF YOU'RE DOING IT ON A ZOOM CHAT IMPROVES YOUR MOOD ALLOWING YOURSELF TO FEEL THE FEELINGS, BUT THEN TO PIVOT AND TO DO THOSE THINGS. WE KNOW THAT THAT SUSTAIN US AND THAT LIFTS US UP A LITTLE BIT. WE ARE VERY ISOLATED RIGHT NOW FROM OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY AS WE KIND OF PRACTICE THIS SOCIAL DISTANCING. SO, HOW CAN WE BRIDGE THAT DIVIDE WHEN WE HAVE TO STAY AWAY FROM EACH OTHER? WELL, SO SO THIS IS WHERE PARENTS CAN BE CREATIVE AND WE CAN BE CREATIVE TO I WAS ON A GROUP ZOOM CHAT LAST NIGHT WITH MY PARENTS MY SIBLINGS MY COUSIN'S WE ARE LIKE BRADY BUNCH ALL ON THE SCREEN AND WE ACTUALLY HAD A PRETTY FUN CONVERSATION. SO ANY WAY WE CAN CONNECT I THINK. IN TERMS OF WITH KIDS IN PARTICULAR MAY BE LOOSENING SOME OF THE SCREEN TIME RESTRICTIONS A LITTLE BIT CAN BE A GOOD THING BECAUSE THAT'S HOW THEY ARE CONNECTING. THERE'S ALSO AN EXERCISE THAT I GIVE TO FAMILIES ALL THE TIME, WHICH IS TO PAY ATTENTION AND TO TRY AND DO THREE THINGS DURING THE DAY THAT WILL BRIGHTEN SOMEBODY ELSE'S LIFE AND THAT US OUT OF OUR OWN HEADS. IT GETS US EXTERNALLY CONNECTED IT BRINGS UP OUR COMPASSION IT BRINGS UP OUR CONNECTION SO YOU CAN YOU KNOW, IF YOU HAVE KIDS YOU CAN MAKE A LITTLE CHART YOU COULD YOU COULD MAKE IT INTO A GAME. WHAT ARE THE THREE THINGS THAT YOU'RE GOING TO DO DURING THE DAY THAT WILL ALLOW YOU TO CONNECT OR HELP SOMEBODY ELSE BECAUSE WHEN WE CAN FIND SOME MEANING IN THIS AND WHEN WE CAN GET OUT OF OUR OWN SORT OF INTERNAL SPINNING, WE'RE GOING TO DO BETTER MENTALLY. WHAT SHOULD SOMEONE DO IF YOU'RE ALREADY SOMEONE WHO LIVES IN DEALS WITH ANXIETY AND A LOT OF WORRY ON A DAILY BASIS? I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE THAT IF YOU ARE IF YOU TEND TO BE A WORRIER IF YOU TEND TO BE AN ANXIOUS PERSON THAT THIS PROVIDES SOME REALLY GOOD GRIST FOR THAT MILL AND I AM REALLY EMPHASIZING WITH PARENTS THAT YOU NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO HOW MUCH YOU'RE WATCHING HOW MUCH YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT HOW MUCH YOUR ABSORBED IN IT KIDS ARE WATCHING US THEY PICK UP ON THE EMOTIONAL THINGS THAT WERE FEELING THEY PICK UP ON OUR STRESS. THEY PICK UP ON OUR CATASTROPHIC LANGUAGE IT IS OK, NOT TO IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THIS ALL THE TIME. WE NEED BREAKS FROM IT GET OUTSIDE MOVEMENT IS AN ENORMOUSLY HELPFUL MOOD BOOSTER. WE'VE ALWAYS KNOWN THAT SO NOW'S THE TIME TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF

Everyone is trying to find their footing in this new normal of working from home, teaching kids while they learn remotely and also being isolated from family and friends. WMUR's Cherise Leclerc spoke to Concord-based psychotherapist Lynn Lyons about steps to take to keep ourselves mentally healthy through these unprecedented times.

Everyone is trying to find their footing in this new normal of working from home, teaching kids while they learn remotely and also being isolated from family and friends. WMUR's Cherise Leclerc spoke to Concord-based psychotherapist Lynn Lyons about steps to take to keep ourselves mentally healthy through these unprecedented times.

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NH-based psychotherapist shares how to deal with anxiety from coronavirus crisis (Part 2)

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Everyone is trying to find their footing in this new normal of working from home, teaching kids while they learn remotely and also being isolated from family and friends. WMUR's Cherise Leclerc spoke to Concord-based psychotherapist Lynn Lyons about steps to take to keep ourselves mentally healthy through these unprecedented times.

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Call 2-1-1- from anywhere in New Hampshire for resources like food distribution, paying bills and rent etc. Or go to

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Call 2-1-1- from anywhere in New Hampshire for resources like food distribution, paying bills and rent etc. Or go to

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Use the COVID-19 Screening Tool online if you or someone you are caring for is experiencing symptoms. You can also download the COVID-19 Screening Tool via Apple Store or Google Play.
The COVID-19 situation in the United States is evolving rapidly as more becomes known about the virus, how it is spread, and how it effects people. For the most accurate and timely information, visit the CDC's website or monitor CDC social media channels. This page is being kept up-to-date as regularly as possible with answers to the most common questions 211s receive.

If you are looking for guidance about how to respond as a school administrator, non-profit or faith-based organization staff member, business owner, or event planner, the CDC has provided detailed information for different sectors here.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. On this page:
PLEASE NOTE: I f you hear that a United Way fund for financial assistance has been established in your area, consider finding your local United Way's website to learn more about eligibility and application before reaching out to 211. Financial assistance is NOT available through every 211.

Want to help?

Please consider donating to your local 211 agency directly, local United Way or community fund.
What is COVID-19?
There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused be a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

The World Health Organization (WHO) published this video which helps answer many common questions about the origin and spread of the virus.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Fever, cough, and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms of COVID-19 and are similar to symptoms of a common cold or the flu.
Use the COVID-19 Screening Tool online if you or someone you are caring for is experiencing symptoms. You can also download the COVID-19 Screening Tool via Apple Store or Google Play.
Symptoms such as chills, body aches, and a runny nose are more likely associated with the flu, not COVID-19. But you should contact your healthcare provider or telemedicine service provided by your health insurer to get medical guidance.
What should I do if I or someone I care for is sick?
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, are over the age of 60, or have an underlying medical condition like heart, lung, or kidney disease, and develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider immediately. If you are young, otherwise healthy, and have not been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 or recently traveled to a country with a high rate of COVID-19, contact your medical provider and follow their guidance. Where COVID-19 tests are limited, people who are otherwise healthy may be asked to stay home and monitor their symptoms rather than seek in-person care.
More information from the CDC here. Is COVID-19 fatal?
While people have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. and abroad, the majority of people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 do recover. Early data suggest that a majority of COVID-19 deaths have occurred among adults 60 years of age and older and among persons with serious underlying health conditions. The virus appears to only be severe if it reaches the lungs and remains untreated. Most otherwise healthy people can recover from COVID-19 at home.
Are there confirmed COVID-19 cases in my community?
All states in the U.S. have confirmed at least one case of COVID-19. CDC has made a map available to the public with information about confirmed COVID-19 cases by state. For specific information about your community, visit the website for your state health department and look for COVID-19 updates. Regardless of whether there is an active outbreak in your community, you should wash your hands thoroughly, cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing, and stay home and away from large gatherings of people if possible. If experiencing you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, and shortness of breath), contact your medical provider for guidance.
Who is at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19?
Older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. COVID-19 can result in severe disease, including hospitalization, admission to an intensive care unit, and death, especially among older adults. However, the CDC recently reported that nearly 40% of those sick enough to be hospitalized were younger than 55. Everyone can take actions, such as social distancing, to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect older adults from severe illness.

There is not currently information from published scientific reports about susceptibility of pregnant women to COVID-19. Pregnant women experience immunologic and physiologic changes which might make them more susceptible to viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19.

There is no evidence that children are more susceptible to COVID-19. In fact, most confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported from China have occurred in adults. Infections in children have been reported, including in very young children. There is an ongoing investigation to determine more about this outbreak.
More information about risk from the CDC available here. How does the virus spread?
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact (within 6 feet) with one another through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest) but some spread might be possible before people show symptoms.

It may also be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
More information about transmission from the CDC here. Should I keep my children home from school or avoid going to work?
You should follow guidance from your specific school district and employer about closures. Many school districts are closing schools temporarily to facilitate deep cleaning and to monitor the situation, and many businesses have asked workers who can do so to work from home.
Should I cancel my travel plans?
The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel at this time due to the global impact of COVID-19. Many areas throughout the world are now experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and taking action that may limit traveler mobility, including quarantines and border restrictions. Even countries, jurisdictions, or areas where cases have not been reported may restrict travel without notice. If you travel, take the same precautions you would while home to avoid getting sick or spreading germs including washing your hands thoroughly and often and avoiding contact with sick people. If you are returning or have returned from traveling abroad, visit the State Department's website detailing requirements by origin country.

If you have domestic travel planned, the CDC does not generally issue advisories or restrictions for travel within the U.S. However, cases of COVID-19 have been reported in all states, and some areas are experiencing severe community spread of the disease. Depending on your unique circumstances, you may choose to delay or cancel your plans. If you travel, take the same precautions you would while home to avoid getting sick or spreading germs including washing your hands thoroughly and often and avoiding contact with sick people. If you have a trip planned, check the CDC's site for a risk assessment of your destination and follow guidance provided about self-quarantining upon return.
Should I cancel my event or gathering?
Avoid social gatherings in groups of 10 or more people, and cancel these events if they serve high-risk populations. Gatherings of any size should be reconsidered unless organizers can protect vulnerable people, ensure proper hand hygiene and social distancing. This guidance is resulting in more school and workplace closures and, in some states and cities, closing of restaurants and other public spaces.
I saw an ad for a vaccine - are vaccines available for COVID-19?
Ignore online offers for vaccinations. There currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) - online or in stores. Public health officials and the FDA are working closely with drug developers to develop and test COVID-19 vaccinations but none are available to the public yet.
How can I help?
The most helpful thing people can do is take extra precautions to avoid spreading germs. This includes thoroughly washing hands with warm water for at least 20 seconds, disinfecting common surfaces, covering your mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing, avoid unnecessary contact such as shaking hands or giving high-fives, and staying home and away from others if sick.
PLEASE NOTE: Financial assistance is NOT available through every 211. If you hear that a United Way fund for financial assistance has been established in your area, consider finding your local United Way's website to learn more about eligibility and application before reaching out to 211.
Use the COVID-19 Screening Tool online if you or someone you are caring for is experiencing symptoms. You can also download the COVID-19 Screening Tool via Apple Store or Google Play.
Economic Impact Payments/Stimulus Payments from Federal Government
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act authorized stimulus payments to be made to many people in the U.S. The distribution of economic impact payments will begin in the next three weeks (mid-April) and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people. The payments are available to many people, even people who do not make enough money to file taxes usually. Social Security recipients who are not typically required to file a tax return need to take no action and will receive their payment directly to their bank account. People who are undocumented, lack Social Security numbers, file with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or adults who were claimed as dependents are not eligible. The amount of these payments varies depending on your financial situation. The IRS will update this page as more information becomes avialable and you can also find more information and FAQs here.
Health Insurance and Medical Expenses
If you have health insurance, visit the website for your provider or contact their customer support line with any questions about coverage for COVID-19 testing and treatment. Many healthcare insurers are also making telemedicine available to customers for low or no cost.

If you do not have health insurance, you may be eligible for benefits through your state. Visit this website to explore options based on your household income, children in the home, and state.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, and shortness of breath) and are concerned that you cannot afford to seek treatment or a test, contact your medical provider or the nearest Urgent Care facility to seek guidance. Free testing for COVID-19 is becoming available in many places, but medical care may still incur a charge. Be sure to ask questions about cost if you seek medical care or treatment.
Home Internet Access
If you do not have internet access at home, or cannot afford to maintain it, but need internet for work or school, there are several options available through providers:

Comcast Internet Essentials, a low-cost home internet package for qualifying individuals and households, is now available for free for the first two months.

Access from AT&T is a low-cost home internet package for qualifying individuals and households (no special for COVID-19 but still available at a low cost)

Additionally, many internet providers have announced that they are waiving late payment fees, increasing caps on internet speeds, and will not disconnect customers for not paying monthly bills on time. If you have questions or concerns about your internet connection, contact your provider or visit their website for more information.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans for Small Businesses
SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance for a small business. To learn more about the process for accessing SBA's COVID-19 disaster relief lending, please go here. For additional information, please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Unemployment Benefits
The U.S. Department of Labor issued guidance for state unemployment insurance programs to extend benefits to individuals whose employment status is impacted by COVID-19. Use this tool to find the agency that manages unemployment insurance in your state and visit their website for more information about eligibility and how to apply for benefits.
Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Employees are eligible to take FMLA leave if they work for a covered employer and:

have worked for their employer for at least 12 months

have at least 1,250 hours of service over the previous 12 months

and work at a location where at least 50 employees are employed by the employer within 75 miles.

Employers are required to give eligible FMLA workers up to 12 weeks of job-protected (but not necessarily paid) leave if they are sick, including with complications from the flu or a similar illness and/or they need to care for an immediate family member (children, spouse, parents) who are ill. Visit this Department of Labor resource for more information.
Mortgage, Rent, and Utilities Payment Assistance
At this time there is no nation-wide resource available to assist with mortgage or rent payments. Some localities have announced that no eviction-notices will be served temporarily. Additionally, some localities have announced that they will temporarily reinstate or not shut off utilities, most oftentimes water, due to non-payment.

Be sure to follow local news, radio, and official social media profiles to learn the latest in your community.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/Food Stamps
Visit the SNAP Eligibility Page to learn more about eligibility requirements. To apply for benefits, or get information about SNAP in your state, contact your local SNAP office by selecting your state on the this map and using the contact information. Each state has its own application form. If your state's form is not available online, you'll need to contact your local SNAP office to request one.

If you are not already a SNAP recipient but have a food need, consider applying for SNAP benefits online today. To be eligible for SNAP in most states, households must demonstrate consistently low bank balances. The threshold for a "low balance" may be higher for households with an elderly (over 60) or disabled household member.

As a part of application, in-person interviews are normally required; however, most states are conducting telephone interviews instead of face-to face-interviews for SNAP Quality Control purposes during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP)/Disaster Food Stamps have not yet been activated for COVID-19. Food Assistance
Contact your local 211 or search for your local 211 using the search bar above for more information about food pantries and food distribution sites.
Relief for "Gig Economy" Workers & Self Employed
Self-employed workers, including independent contractors, freelancers, people seeking part-time work, and those who do not have a long-enough work history to qualify for state unemployment benefits may qualify for benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Those seeking benefits should check with the Department of Labor in their state for the rules.
Mental Health and Crisis
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people and communities. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. Visit this CDC page to learn more about things you can do to support yourself and your loved ones. If you need to talk to someone, these resources are confidential and available for free 24/7:

All 211 providers across the United States and Canada are operational and continue to connect people with services and resources in their local communities, including people who are in need of financial or other assistance as a result of lost wages from event cancellations, business closures, and quarantines.

Additionally, many 211s are working closely with state and local health officials to provide up-to-date information to the general public about the virus and outbreak. If you live in one of these states and have questions or need help related to COVID-19, you can call 211 or visit your local 211's website by using the search bar at the top of this page:
Remember if you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

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Use the COVID-19 Screening Tool online if you or someone you are caring for is experiencing symptoms. You can also download the COVID-19 Screening Tool via Apple Store or Google Play. The COVID-19 situation in the United States is evolving rapidly as more becomes known about the virus, how it is spread, and how it effects people.

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My best friend sent me a hilarious text the other day: "If you see me talking to myself this week, mind your business. I'm having a parent-teacher conference."

She's a stay-at-home mom of two trying to figure out how to follow through on the lessons her kindergartener's teacher is sending home while also tending to her three-year-old and the numerous day-to-day tasks that haven't gone away, like laundry, walking the dog, and keeping everybody fed.

Meanwhile, I'm writing this post on a Sunday afternoon, my 3-year-old at my side watching I'm-not-exactly-sure-what on a tablet and his 1-year-old sister napping. (That's a gratuitous picture of them.)

Like so many parents across the country, we're in unfamiliar territory and making it all up as we go. Here are some tips and resources I hope can help you support your kids-and preserve your mental health-during school closures. Take what works for you and leave the rest.
1. Breathe
I'm amazed at how often I have to remind myself to breathe. And not just when there's a global pandemic to worry about. Lung-filling breaths are the first thing to go when the going gets rough, but there are few things that can clear my head and help me deal with whatever is coming my way better than focusing on my breathing. The science behind why is pretty interesting.

[W]e're in unfamiliar territory and making it all up as we go."

Pause to take a few breaths when you feel your stress levels get high. You can even have your kids take some with you. You'll likely only need 30 seconds or so to get the calming effects you're after. (If you're up for taking your breathing a step further with mediation, Headspace is offering free services as we all struggle to deal with the coronavirus crisis.)
2. Stick to a schedule
Kids are used to a routine when they're at school, whether they're in kindergarten or high school. You're probably used to a routine, too. You pack lunches, drop the kids off, then savor a coffee while you check your email at work.

Routine has numerous mental health benefits, so during these chaotic times, try to establish one that works for you and your family. For example, you could follow your pre-coronavirus routine for getting everyone ready to get out the door every morning. Then tack on your new normal. Here's what it might look like if you have young kids and are lucky enough to be able to work from home and have flexible hours:

7:30-8 Story time to get brains going and ease into the day

8-10 School work with the kids

10-12 A little TV (check out We Are Teachers' handy list of educational shows on Netflix), then a creative hour of Play-Doh, coloring, Legos, or Magna-Tiles while you work

12-12:30 Lunch together, complete with opportunities to talk about what the kids learned in the morning or to practice adding and subtracting Goldfish or carrot sticks

12:30-1 Some fresh air (it'll do everyone good)

1-3 School work with the kids

3-5 Kid movie or educational app time while you work

5-8 Family time, dinner, and story time before lights out

8-10 Work time
3. Create a learning space
If you can, set aside a specific part of your home for learning. Your kitchen table could be a good spot, especially if you're working from home and have to juggle teaching, keeping your kids out of trouble, and doing your job. A learning space can make it easier for everyone to transition from school work to other activities and to keep some boundaries between the many activities getting blurred together right now.
4. Talk about feelings
Upheaval and uncertainty are difficult for everyone, and overwhelming emotions can make it more difficult for children to learn. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) has free resources about social-emotional learning (SEL) on their website that can guide your conversations with your children during these difficult times.

Routine has numerous mental health benefits, so during these chaotic times, try to establish one that works for you and your family."

If you need someone to talk to, rest assured you're not the only one. Ask your health plan if you're covered for telehealth appointments with a mental health provider, or call a friend or family member.
The only certain thing is uncertainty
It's hard to know when things will get back to normal. Anxiety will come and go. So will cabin fever. Hopefully these trying times will also be filled with many midday hugs from your kids, high fives while learning together, and opportunities to offer yourself a little grace. This is hard, and you're doing great.

Monica Rodríguez joined NWEA in 2019 as content manager and is the managing editor of Teach. Learn. Grow. In the past decade, she's served as English faculty at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon, and worked as a writer and editor. She's excited to be part of the NWEA team and to partner with you to help all kids do great things.

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4 tips for families homeschooling during the coronavirus pandemic

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My best friend sent me a hilarious text the other day: "If you see me talking to myself this week, mind your business. I'm having a parent-teacher conference."

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Explanation of How to Use Incredible 5 Point Scale

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Explanation of How to Use Incredible 5 Point Scale

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Emotional Regulation and the Incredible 5-Point Scale

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Calming Down via Video Modeling and Social Thinking

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Calming Down via Video Modeling and Social Thinking

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We are all staying put (hopefully.) But as you keep your body in one space, I suggest you have a little conversation with that runaway mind.

Worry prides itself on its ability to co-opt your imagination. So no wild rides into the future, full of what-if's and big projections.

I implore you--even when worry comes calling--to stay HERE. Recognize what you can control and focus on the things that, even in small doses, help you feel steadier.

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Lynn Lyons, Psychotherapist, Anxiety and Children

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We are all staying put (hopefully.) But as you keep your body in one space, I suggest you have a little conversation with that runaway mind. Worry prides itself on its ability to co-opt your imagination. So no wild rides into the future, full of what-if's and big projections.

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CHILL ZONE

Listen to audio recordings of guided relaxation and mindfulness meditations to help you get, and stay, in a more relaxed and mindful headspace.

FACING FEARS

Overcome your fears by gradually facing them in small manageable steps.

CBT-BASED TOOLS

Interactive cognitive-based tools to help you reorient your thinking, and behavioural strategies to help you take action and make lasting positive change.

QUICK RELIEF

When you need anxiety help fast, use these quick and easy tools to help you take a breath, ground yourself, shift your thinking, and take steps to cope.

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Is anxiety getting in the way of your life? MindShift™ CBT uses scientifically proven strategies based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help you learn to relax and be mindful, develop more effective ways of thinking, and use active steps to take charge of your anxiety.

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Resources for Children with Anxiety Symptoms

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Resources for Children with Anxiety Symptoms

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Anxious youth often go unnoticed. Learn the anxiety symptoms to look for, and about the different types of anxiety disorders.

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List of Therapists in Milford and Surrounding Areas

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List of Therapists in Milford and Surrounding Areas

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*Check out this website:  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
You can put in your zip code, age of your child, specialization and see what comes up in and around Milford/Southern New Hampshire. Some places may not be taking patients, but it usually says that in their bio.

List of referrals in and around Milford:

A Peaceful Balance

154 Broad Street Suite 1511

Nashua, NH 03063

603-577-5551

http://www.apeacefulbalance.com/

Castle CREATE (Center for Expressive Arts, Therapy and Education)

141 Union Street

Manchester, NH 03103

603-625-0010

www.castlecreate.com

Counseling Center of Nashua

1 Main Street

Nashua, NH 03064

603-883-0005

www.counselingcenter.com

Family Guidance Center of Milford
16 Elm Street

Milford, NH 03055

603-672-5005

https://www.familyguidancecenternh.com/

Granite State Child and Family Counseling, LLC

468 Route 13 South
Milford, NH 03055

603-672-1881
Greater Nashua Mental Health Center

15 Prospect Street

Nashua, NH 03060

Information: 603-889-6147

Intake department:  603-402-1574

www.gnmhc.org

*Call about intake availability!*

Green House Group, Psychological Associates
250 Commercial St Ste 3004

Manchester, NH 03101

603-668-3050

www.thegreenhousegroup.net

Private Insurance Coverage

*Call the 800 number on the back of your/your child’s insurance card

Waypoint (formerly Child and Family Services)

113 West Pearl Street

Nashua, NH 03060

603-518-4295

www.waypointnh.org

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Incredible 5 Point Scale/ Self-Regulation- Part III

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Incredible 5 Point Scale/ Self-Regulation- Part III

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The Autism Help App assists individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other disabilities to communicate and regulate in emergency situations. Using the book: The Incredible 5-Point Scale TM by authors Kari Dunn Buron and Mitzi Curtis, AAPC Publishing the app helps individuals act, react and interact quickly in emergency situations. With a touch of a screen information is provided and can help facilitate interactions for a "safe" outcome for both the individual and 1st responder.

Utilizing the 5 Point Scale, individuals can easily communicate and regulate their level of anxiety and take appropriate steps to be safe without the need to be verbal. On the first screen levels are color-coded with different facial expressions, increasing based on the emergency or situation. For example, choosing a "1" may mean "I have a scratch on my leg and need a band-aid." Choosing a "3" may mean "I have a headache and need to use my relaxation exercises." Choosing a "5" may mean "I'm lost and can't find my parents! I need a policeman." Autism Help can be customized to fit an individual's needs. Levels of "emergencies", photos and responses can be individualized for each family. Photos of different emergency responders can be taken with your local First Responders so that the individual will recognize them, adding a mothers voice gives the individual immediate recognition to do something to be safe ("go to your safe place").

Autism Help can also be utilized as a learning tool to help individuals with ASD and other disabilities learn to interact depending upon the severity of the emergency. Photos based on the level of anxiety can be of a 1st responder for 5 or for level 1 a band-aid, or fidget, or stuffed animal, again each level can be customized with photos and voice recognition to "Your own "Autism Help" app.

The Autism Society of Minnesota, AuSM® with grant funds from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, has developed this app to support our mission of helping families by enhancing the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders through education, support, collaboration, and advocacy. Visit our website to learn more about available resources for Emergency Preparedness for families, 1st responders and individuals.

Update for iOS8 compatibility
Autism 5-Point Scale EP = Autism Help!
Credit to authors of
The Incredible 5 Point Scale
Kari Dunn Buron and Mitzi Curtis
AAPC Publishing

Love it!

I teach students with Autism and have 3 children of my own. I have the paper version of this scale, but this is so much more motivating! I esp. like that you can personalize this scale with both pictures of the student and their own voice. I like using this on my iPhone in the classroom. However, like another reviewer, I wish that you could have multiple scales saved on a device.

It's a great concept

I found this after I got the book. I do love the app. I just wish you could use it for more than one scale. I have 2 sons. But even with one kid you might want to use it for 2 functions. We use it for voice volume modulation and identifying when meltdowns are impending. I also wish you could change the faces on the scale. They don't fit every need.

images are reversed

on my Emergency scale, when you first open the app, the green "level one" image actually shows the level two face, where the drawing shows a slightly nervous person. Then the blue "level two" image shows the happy smiling face, which should be level one. Would love to see this corrected so I can use it as a resource with my kiddos.

Information

Seller

Minnesota Department of Administration

Compatibility

Requires iOS 5.1.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Family Sharing

With Family Sharing set up, up to six family members can use this app.

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minnesota governor's council on developmental disabilities

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‎The Autism Help App assists individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other disabilities to communicate and regulate in emergency situations. Using the book: The Incredible 5-Point Scale TM by authors Kari Dunn Buron and Mitzi Curtis, AAPC Publishing the app helps individuals act, react...

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Incredible 5 Point Scale/ Self-Regulation- Part I

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Incredible 5 Point Scale/ Self-Regulation- Part I

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Children with autism are often frustrated with changes in their daily schedule, let alone when there are so many confusing and scary things happening in the world.Parents might find themselves responding to the behavioral outcome of the stress and anxiety involved with this "inflexible thinking", rather than teaching flexible thinking in a systematic way.If you can think about this as a cognitive issue, rather than a "behavioral" issue, you might be able to teach some valuable coping strategies during this difficult time.
​
The first step in teaching this skill is to realize that your child might not understand why the world works the way it does; why people make the decisions they do; or why routines have been so drastically disrupted.Your child might depend on some sense of predictability in order to be relaxed, and unexpected change might cause him significant stress. An immediate goal would be to add visual and systematic order to your days of quarantine.

When you are at home and your child just doesn't seem to listen to a word you say or actually seems to do the opposite of what you want, resist thinking about this situation as "oppositional". ​

In times of crisis, the big worries can get even bigger.The unknowns can become almost unbearable, let alone for a child who is still trying to figure out the basics of why people do what they do, or why they make the decisions they make.Most of you will agree that we are living in a very surreal and scary time.Assume this is going to weigh heavy on your child.

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Children with autism are often frustrated with changes in their daily schedule, let alone when there are so many confusing and scary things happening in the world.Parents might find themselves responding to the behavioral outcome of the stress and anxiety involved with this "inflexible thinking", rather than teaching flexible thinking

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Resources for youth/teenagers with anxiety symptoms.

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Resources for youth/teenagers with anxiety symptoms.

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Fight Flight Freeze - A Guide for Anxiety in Teens

Anxiety is our body's normal reaction to perceived danger or important events. It can be like an internal alarm system that alerts us to danger and helps our body prepare to deal with it. For example, anxiety allows you to jump out of the way of a speeding car. It also lets us know when something important is happening and helps us perform at our best. Anxiety can prompt you to bring home your textbook to study for a final exam or motivate you to practice for a class presentation. Anxiety is something that everyone experiences from time to time.

Anxiety triggers something called the "fight-flight-freeze" response (F3). This automatic response affects our thoughts, body, and behaviours. When faced with a potential threat, your thoughts focus on the danger, your body revs up to help protect you, and you take action (fight, flight, or freeze). Imagine that you're out walking your dog and a skunk pops out of the bushes. You have thoughts about the skunk such as "What if it sprays us?" which helps you identify the potential danger. Your body also reacts (heart beats faster, muscle tense up) to help you get prepared to protect yourself. Then, you take action, such as remaining very still and hoping the skunk doesn't notice you (freeze) or running away (flight). As you can see, anxiety protects you. In fact, without it, we'd be extinct!

The F3 system is critical to our survival from true threat or danger, but what happens when there is no real danger? Interestingly, anxiety can also trigger this system into action when we believe there is a threat or danger even if there isn't. For example, you may yell at your mum for bugging you about taking your driving test when you don't feel ready (fight). Or you may call your dad to pick you up early from a new activity because you don't feel comfortable around unfamiliar people (flight). Or, you may feel as though your mind goes blank when the teacher asks you a question (freeze). These are examples of anxiety triggering the F3 alarm even though these situations are not really dangerous. We call this a "false alarm". Although anxiety protects us in the face of real danger, it can become a problem when it goes off when there is no real or immediate danger (ie. like a smoke alarm that goes off when you're just making toast).

Anxiety may be a problem if you notice that it:

Happens a lot

Feels pretty intense

Is upsetting and causes you distress

Stops you from doing fun and important things like going to school dances or parties, making friends or dating, getting your homework done, getting a job or your driver's license.

You can start learning about your own anxiety by taking this quiz. Then, check out the MindShift CBT app for helpful tools that work! It's also important to reach out to others for help. Talk to a trusted adult (ie. parents, family members) or your family doctor. Or, get some support from a mental health professional (like your school counsellor, a psychologist or a psychiatrist).

Learn about the different types of anxiety with Caretoons, the animated series. Featuring two fun and endearing characters, Drexal the Alien and Chris Crust the pizza slice discover how to cope with anxiety in everyday life. Drexal the Alien lives on a moon base far away but deals with many of the same fears we do on earth. Then there's Chris Crust, the pizza slice who discovers he can time travel when his future self comes back in time to help him cope with anxiety. Follow their adventures on YouTube!

Help children and teens prepare for school-based vaccinations and other stressors using the CARD™ system ( Comfort, Ask, Relax, Distract). is a science-based, proven framework you can adapt to different situations, like school-based vaccinations, public presentation, and examinations. A free CARD™ Toolkit for parents, educators, and health professionals is available for download here.

How to Talk to Children and Adolescents About War

Download this resource to help facilitate a conversation and safe space to talk about war-related trauma and anxiety triggered by traumatic events.

How To Address Test Anxiety

Exam anxiety can cause students to "go blank," become frustrated, or doubt their intellectual abilities. This test anxiety booklet helps students and parents better understand exam anxiety and offers methods to help students cope with test anxiety and succeed in their courses. Students should read this booklet carefully, consider which aspects of test anxiety applies to them, then identify coping strategies that may help address the anxiety.

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Anxiety is our body's normal reaction to perceived danger or important events. It can be like an internal alarm system that alerts us to danger and helps our body prepare to deal with it. For example, anxiety allows you to jump out of the way of a speeding car.

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As a child, I was self-motivated. I did my homework on my own. I did the things I needed to do without being reminded. I set goals for myself and achieved them. Maybe this was due to the fact that my parents were mostly uninvolved.

Some kids are self-motivated. And other kids are less motivated and need a little push here or a lot of prodding there. If you're wondering how to motivate your child, you might automatically think of rewarding your child for every step he takes in the right direction, and applying negative consequences for steps he takes in the wrong direction. In reality, the best approach is to go easy on the rewards and punishments and cultivate his internal motivation-help him to tune into the feelings of accomplishment and the pride he feels for a job well done.

To find out what motivates your child, take a look at these 10 ways to up the motivation:

1. Set Goals.

Have them set goals. Make a list of short-term goals and one for the long-term goals. Make sure the goals are reachable but require effort to obtain. And be sure you're helping your children choose the right goals.

2. Make a Plan.

In order to reach goals, you need a plan. Help your children create a strategy for reaching their goals. Make a step-by-step plan to reach them. This printable goals chart for kids will help you get started.

3. Celebrate Accomplishments.

When your children accomplish their goals, let them know that you are proud of them. Celebrate these successes together. Reward your children for their hard work with our Reward Jar Coupons. But as we mentioned earlier, a sense of accomplishment is the best reward.

4. Make Things Competitive.

Encourage healthy competition. Cheer on your child to beat another runner in a race or to take home the trophy from the spelling bee. Make competition about positivity and strength in regards to your child and never about negativity and weakness towards the competitor. Does your child shy away from competition?

5. Encourage Them.

Let your children know you believe in them. Tell them how great they are going to do. Dismiss any self-doubt or fears they may have. Look over these 38 things accepting moms say and use them with your children.

6. Take Interest.

Learn about your child's interests. Talk to your child about them and listen. It will show your children that you care and that they are free to talk to you about their interests.

7. Discover Passion.

Encourage your children to discover what he or she is passionate about. It may take a few tries along the way. Support your child on the journey toward passion and urge him or her to keep going until he or she finds out what it is.

8. Remain Positive.

Maintain a positive and optimistic outlook for your children. If they see fear or doubt in your eyes, they likely will lose self-confidence. Having a positive approach will brighten their outlooks on a situation.

9. Peer Pressure.

Occasionally, a little peer pressure is not a bad thing. It can push your kids to do better in school or in a sport because they want to keep up with their friends. However, watch for when the stress of peer pressure starts to become too much.

10. Excite Them.

Excite your children about their goals and ambitions. Show that you are excited for them, too. The positive energy and adrenaline will push them to continue their hard work and be happy with their efforts.
What motivates your children?

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As a child, I was self-motivated. I did my homework on my own. I did the things I needed to do without being reminded. I set goals for myself and achieved them. Maybe this was due to the fact that my parents were mostly uninvolved. Some kids are self-motivated.

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Great resource for families of young elementary age students to assist with self-regulation and social skills.

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Great resource for families of young elementary age students to assist with self-regulation and social skills.

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Download the Practical Strategies Flyer for Teachers (PDF 320kb)

View full-featured PowerPoint presentations with The PowerPoint™ Viewer (verions 97 and later)

Modules are best viewed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Scripted Stories for Social Situations
Scripted Stories for Social Situations help children understand social interactions, situations, expectations, social cues, the script of unfamiliar activities, and/or social rules. As the title implies, they are brief descriptive stories that provide information regarding a social situation. When children are given information that helps them understand the expectations of a situation, their problem behavior within that situation is reduced or minimized.

Scripted Stories for Social Situations Tip Sheet
(1 pg) HTML | PDF

I go to Preschool (on the bus)
(14 pg) HTML | PPT

I go to Preschool (in the car)(14 pg) HTML | PPT

What Do We Do In Circle?
(10 pg) HTML | PPT

I Can Be a Super Friend
(18 pg) HTML | PPT

I Can Stay Safe
(15 pg ) HTML | PPT

I Can Use My Words(15 pg) HTML | PPT

Tucker Turtle Takes Time to Tuck and Think (16 pg) PPT
La Tortuga Tucker Toma Su Tiempo Para Pensar y Actuar ( PPT)

Tools for Working on "Building Relationships"

Positive Attention Data Sheet
(1 page) PDF
Hoja de datos sobre atención positiva ( HTML)

Some Starters for Giving Positive Feedback and Encouragement (1 page) PDF
Algunas sugerencias para dar elogios e incentivos ( HTML)

Book List -Using Books to Support Social Emotional Development

Children's Book List
Relevant to Social-Emotional Skills (6 pages) PDF

Book Nook

These easy-to-use guides were created especially for teachers/caregivers and parents to provide hands-on ways to embed social emotional skill building activities into everyday routines. Each book nook is comprised of ideas and activities designed around popular children's books such as Big Al, Hands are Not for Hitting, On Monday When it Rained and My Many Colored Days. Examples of suggested activities include using rhymes to talk about being friends, making emotion masks to help children identify and talk about different feelings, playing games around what to do with hands instead of hitting and fun music and movement activities to express emotions.

Free Spirit Publishing, Inc. 2000 Hands Are Not for Hitting by Martine Agassi

(5 pages) PDF

Mouse was Mad by Linda Urban
Harcourt Children's Books (2 pg) PDF

When I am by Gladys Rosa-Mendoz
(13 pages) PDF

Teaching Social Emotional Skills

"You Got It!"
Teaching Social and Emotional Skills
Lise Fox and Rochelle Harper Lentini

Super Friend Award
(1 page) PDF | PPT
en español: Galardón de Súper Amigo ( HTML)

Emotion Faces
(12 pages) PDF
en español: Caras de sentimientos ( HTML)

Feeling Chart: English
(4 pages) PDF
en español: Feeling Chart: English-Spanish ( PDF)

Feeling Chart: Flowers(1 page) PDF
en español: Paquete de soluciones ( PDF)

Feelings Sign-in Chart: English
(1 page) PPT

Feelings Faces Cube: English
(3 pages) PPT

The Turtle Technique
(1 page) PDF
en español: La técnica de la tortuga ( HTML)

Problem-Solving Steps
Poster: PPT | PDFPre-K: PPT | Toddler: PPT
en español: Pasos para resolver problemas PPT

Solution Kit Cue Cards
(940 KB) PPT
en español: PPT

The following are from Tools for Developing Behavior Support Plans the Module Archive. These are Modules from 2003. The Archive has Spanish and HTML versions available. For the most current modules, see: Training Modules.

Observation Cards
Home Observation Card PDF
Functional Assessment Interview Form -Young Child PDF

en español
Tarjetas de observación PDF Formulario de Entrevista de Evaluación Funcional-Niño pequeño PDF

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CSEFEL: Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning

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The National Center for Effective Mental Health Consultation (CEMHC) addresses the needs of Early Head Start/Head Start (E/HS) staff and families for practical guidance on effective ways to promote young childrenís social and emotional development and reduce challenging behaviors.

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https://kidshealth.org

https://apertureed.com/parent-portal/

http://www.nhlearnsremotely.com/caregiversupport.html

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What to Say to Help Kids Feel Calm When the World Feels Fragile

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by Karen Young

When their days come with spikes, our children will turn to us. We won't always be able to fix the breakages, but we don't need to. We don't need to do very much at all. As the important adult in their world, you have a profound capacity to soften the sharp edges and bring their world back to safe enough. Whatever is happening around them, whether it is a natural disaster, a global crisis, or world or family trauma, your words and your presence can heal and strengthen them like nothing else.

Sometimes it's hard to know the right things to say, but even if the words don't land as you expected, you can always put things right again. What's important is creating space for the conversations to happen. Silence can be scary our children if they are filling in the gaps themselves, or if they are believe everything they see and hear, without having us to help make sense of things for them. There is no wrong way to have the conversation. Just start, and let the words come. Here are some things that might help.

How to help kids feel calm.

1. Ask them what they know, and make space for more.

Children will hear all sorts of things, that sound like the truth but which are actually blockbuster versions of something that is nothing like the truth. Even if they have heard the facts, those facts might be frightening if they aren't in context, or if they aren't softened and contained by our calm and our wisdom. Once you've found out what they know, explore how they've made sense of it.
'There's a lot of talk about what's happening. What have you heard? What do you think it means? Is there anything you'd like to ask me? You can ask me anything at all.'
Some kids might not want to talk, and that's okay. Just let them know that you are there if they need to.

2. Anxiety will focus them on the similarities. Steer them towards the differences.
'We have information today that we didn't have yesterday, and every day we are learning more about how to stay safe and get through this. We are going to be okay.'
To get a sense of what it all means for them, their minds will tend to focus them on the similarities between themselves and people who have been affected. We can help them feel safe by steering them to the differences. It might be that people who have been affected live in a different place, have a less responsive health system, or are more vulnerable because of age or health factors. The big difference is that with every day that goes by, we learn more about what's happening, and how to keep people safe, so our response becomes stronger and wiser.

2. If you can't normalise the event, normalise how they feel about it.
'What's happening is scary. There's no 'right' way to feel and different people will feel different things. It's okay to feel whatever you feel.'
Whether they feel anxious, confused, frustrated, angry, or nothing at all, it's important that their response is normalised. Research has found that children are more likely to struggle with traumatic events if they believe their response isn't normal. This is because they tend to be more likely to interpret their response as a sign of breakage.

4. Be their brave.
'I know this feels scary love, and I know we will be okay. I know that with everything in me.'
However scary the world feels, the safety of you will always feel bigger. When our own hearts are calm enough and brave enough, our children will catch this. If you are uncertain or anxious yourself, try to tap into that part of you that knows they are safe enough. Before reassuring them though, it's important to acknowledge whatever they are feeling. When we open our hearts to what they are feeling, we can hold those feelings with strength, help them make sense, and hand them back in a way that feels more manageable.

3. Feel what you feel, and 'add in'.
'Sometimes I feel anxious about what's happening, especially when things are changing so often. I also know that we are going to be okay. I know that for certain. We are going to get through this together and we are going to be okay.'
This is not about 'not feeling', but about 'adding in' - adding in courage, strength, confidence, gratitude. To anxiety, add courage. To uncertainty, add confidence that everything will be okay. To sadness about what's wrong, add gratitude for what's right. It's okay for them to see you feeling anxious, uncertain or frustrated, as long as this is done from a position of strength. In fact, it can be healing for them because it opens the way for their own big feelings to breathe.

4. Sit with them where they are, without needing it to be different for a while.

Whatever they are feeling, if you can sit with them in it for long enough for them to feel you right there, in it with them, they will be more likely to follow you into calm. The message we are sending by doing this is, 'I can see the world the way you see it, and feel it the way you feel it, and even with that, I know we will be okay.' Our reassurance becomes more believable when we start from where they are.

5. Let them know they are held by many.
'There are experts who are really good at protecting us from things like this. They are working around the clock to make sure we are safe, and I trust them.'
Let them feel the strength and safety of being part of something bigger - our common humanity. With this, they can feel held by collected wisdom and the will of all the world's people to protect each other and make things better for everyone.

6. Put their anxious energy to work.
'By being careful with where we go and what we do, we are doing something really important. We are making sure that we keep older people, or more vulnerable people healthy and strong. That's how we all come together to make things better and you are a big part of that.'
Anxiety will focus them on what they can't do, which will fuel a sense of helplessness. Counter this by focusing them on what they can do. With COVID-19, this might be washing their hands, covering their coughs, and sleeping and eating well to keep their bodies strong. But there is something they are doing that is important. They are helping to keep people safe.

7. Remind them, 'We've been through tough things before, and we always get through.'

You might not have been through anything like what you are going through now, but whether it's a natural disaster or a global trauma, the world has been through tough things before, and we've got through. We will get through this one too.

8. You see, it's like seatbelts ...
'You see, it's like seatbelts. We don't wear seatbelts because we expect something terrible to happen, but to keep us safe if something should happen. We're really lucky to have things that help keep us safe.'
During a crisis, the protective measures that are put in place can feel scary. The more extreme the protections, the more they might feel as though they are evidence that trouble is coming. Explain these as the things we do 'just in case', not confirmation that we are in trouble.

Don't forget about you.

1. You don't need to look for the answer to their anxiety. You are the answer.

You might look for the rights things to do or the rights things to say to make things better for them, but the truth of it all is the answer has always been you. The world will always feel calmer and gentler in the space that exists because of you - because of your presence, your calm, your courage, your words, your wisdom. Everything you need to help them feel safe enough and brave enough is in you.

2. When out there feels 'big', come home to what you know to be certain.

When times feel uncertain or your own anxiety feels big, come home to the things that make sense. Come home to each other, to stillness, to play, to rest, and conversation. Come home to listening more openly and caring more deeply, to nature, and warm baths, and being more deliberate, to fighting for what we can control, and the soft surrender to what we can't. Come home to stories, and music, and to the safety of your tribe. Come home to that part of you that is timeless, and strong, and still, and wise, and which knows that, like everything that has ever felt bigger than you for a while, you will get through this.

And finally ...

This is a time for radical tenderness - for each other and for ourselves. You were built for this. Your best will be good enough, and on the days that you are far from your best, that will be good enough too. When we are faced with unfamiliar times, the things we 'should' be doing have to fall behind what we 'need' to be doing. And what we need to do is this. We need to hold them close, and leave space for playing, and talking, and listening and sleeping. We need to read with them, feel with them and laugh with them. And that will be enough, even on the messiest of days, or the ones that greet you when you are cranky, or exhausted, or 'over it'. Because you're human - one of the good ones - and this is what being human looks like sometimes. It looks like messy houses, and breakfast food at dinner time, and too much screen time, and yelling or crying over things that won't matter at all tomorrow.

These times are unfamiliar and all we can do is whatever we can to get through. But if through this you love them big - they'll get through this with their hearts, minds and spirits intact. And this won't be because you did what you 'should' have done, or because you were perfect, or followed the rules or the schedules. It will be because you did enough of what they needed, enough of the time, and you did it for them.

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What to Say to Help Kids Feel Calm When the World Feels Fragile - Hey Sigmund

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When their days come with spikes, our children will turn to us. We won't always be able to fix the breakages, but we don't need to. We don't need to do very much at all. As the important adult in their world, you have a profound capacity to soften the sharp edges and bring their...

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Lisa Girouard, LCMHC Parent's Support Video about Routines

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Lisa Girouard, LCMHC Parent's Support Video about Routines

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Insight Timer
Breath2Relax
Stop, Breathe + Think
Smiling Mind
Headspace
Calm

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NH-based psychotherapist shares how to deal with anxiety from coronavirus crisis (Part 1)

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Everyone is trying to find their footing in this new normal of working from home, teaching kids while they learn remotely and also being isolated from family and friends. WMUR's Cherise Leclerc spoke to Concord-based psychotherapist Lynn Lyons about steps to take to keep ourselves mentally healthy through these unprecedented times.

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Top 50 Relaxing Songs - Reduce Stress and Anxiety with 50 Best Meditation Music & 50 Zen Asian Songs

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Top 50 Relaxing Songs - Reduce Stress and Anxiety with 50 Best Meditation Music & 50 Zen Asian Songs

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Emergency Food, Clothing & Rent Assistance 

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Emergency Food, Clothing & Rent Assistance 

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SHARE Center

1 Columbus Avenue

Milford, NH 03055

603-673-9898

Department of Health & Human Services

Nashua Office - 883-7726

Southern NH Services (CAP) Hillsborough County

Fuel & Rent Assistance

Intake: 924-2243
Town of Milford Welfare Director:
Susan Drew 249-0672

Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter

2 Quincy Street

Nashua, NH 03061

603-889-7770

www.nsks.org

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The Technique:
The very basic implementation of this technique is to inhale and exhale in equal proportions.

Step 1 : Inhale and take a deep breath for 4 secs. (count upto 4 while inhaling)

Step 2 : Hold the breath for 4 secs. (count upto 4 while holding)

Step 3 : Exhale completely for 4 secs (count upto 4)

Step 4 : Hold the breath for 4 secs. (count upto 4)

Repeat the process 5 - 6 times.

The Application:
This can be done anytime, several times a day. The best part is that you can practice this anytime of a day, wherever you are, at home, office, while travelling, watching TV etc.
Once you are accustomed with the 4 square breathing, you can take it to higher level of 5 square, 6 square, upto 10 square.

Release Anxiety and Stress : As this technique involves mind + body at the same time, it is a great stress buster. You can feel the calmness just after doing this exercise.

Controls breathing pattern : This greatly controls and organises our pattern of breathing and in-turn controls our emotions and make us more responsive rather than reactive.

Improves Focus and Concentration : Do this exercise during small breaks when you are doing something important. This will greatly increase your concentration. Try it now and feel the difference right away.

Boosts brain energy : Great exercise for brain and nervous system. Calms and rejuvinates you within seconds.

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The Technique: The very basic implementation of this technique is to inhale and exhale in equal proportions. Step 1 : Inhale and take a deep breath for 4 secs. (count upto 4 while inhaling) Step 2 : Hold the breath for 4 secs.

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Milford School District School Counselors, Mental Health Counselor and Social Workers. 

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Milford School District School Counselors, Mental Health Counselor and Social Workers. 

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Jacques Memorial School:
Counselor: Sue.Burns@milfordk12.org
Social Worker: Tracy.Holland@milfordk12.org

Heron Pond Elementary School:
Counselors:
Christine.Garner@milfordk12.org
(Grades 2 and 4)
Sherry.Houle@milfordk12.org
(Grades 3 and 5)
Social Worker: Stephanie.Bielik@milfordk12.org

Milford Middle School:
Counselors:
Emily.McDonald@milfordk12.org (A-K)
Wendy.Vaupel@milfordk12.org
(L-Z)
Social Worker: Erin.Richardson@milfordk12.org

Milford High School:
Counselors:
Kiersta.Stallman@milfordk12.org
Liz.Kulikowski@milfordk12.org
Melissa.Minery@milfordk12.org
Paul.Christensen@milfordk12.org
Social Worker: Heather.Fortin@milfordk12.org
Bales:
Licensed Mental Health Counselor: Lisa.Girouard@milfordk12.org

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How to Set up Parental Controls on all Devices

Parental controls are available on most Internet-enabled devices including computers, smartphones, tablets and gaming systems. Parental controls can help reduce the risk of your child encountering inappropriate content when they are online. When enabling parental controls, use age-appropriate settings to filter, monitor and block your child's activities. We recommend using parental controls especially for younger children all available devices, computers, and tablets in the home.

Parents should also understand that while parental controls are a good support, they are not 100% effective, therefore it is also very important to talk to your child about using the internet safely.

What can Parental Controls do?

It is important to be aware of the range of parental controls available. They are usually offered by internet service providers, computer operating systems, social networks, search engines, games consoles and more. They also offer different functions depending on the provider, these include:

Setting specific time limits on your children's use

Controlling/Blocking games your child can access

Prevent children from using specific programs

Manage content children can search for online

Parental Controls from your Internet Service Provider

Setting Parental Controls through your internet service provider can be the easiest way to manage what your children can access across all your devices and computers in your home. This can be done easily and normally for free by most internet service providers. We recommend contacting your provider or checking their website for more information. Please note if your child has a smartphone they use outside the home, you should also consider putting these controls in place on the device also.

Parental Controls on your Computer Operating System

Most computer systems offer easy to follow steps on setting up parental controls which are free to use. Here are links to some of the main providers:

Windows
Windows Parental Controls allows users to set limits on the amount of time spent on computers, the games users play and the programs they can access. To set these up go to windows.microsoft.com/set-parental-control

Apple
Apple's Parental Controls filter can operate in 3 modes (unrestricted, automatic and whitelist). Ensure you choose the most appropriate filter for your child. For step by step info on how to set-up, see: https://support.apple.com/en-ie/guide/mac-help/mtusr004/mac

Chrome OS
For Chrome Book users, we recommend setting up Supervised Users. Supervised Users allows you to see what sites/pages the supervised user has viewed and also allows you to block sites you may not want Supervised Users to access. Find out how to set up Supervised Users here: google.ie/safetycenter/families/

Parental Controls on Smartphones and Tablets

Whether your child has access to an Android/Apple smartphone or tablet, parental controls are available across all of these devices. You can turn off functions like in-app purchasing, social networks, app store access, camera access, Bluetooth and more.

Apple
You can use Restrictions to block or limit specific apps and features on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, including access to explicit content in the iTunes Store. For more information on setting up restrictions on Apple devices go to support.apple.com/

Android
This useful guide from PC Advisor gives step by step information on setting up parental controls on Android devices: pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/

Google Play Store
For Android Phones, we also recommend putting in place controls on the Google Play store.
You can turn on these controls to restrict the content someone can download or purchase from Google Play on your device. Find out how to set up controls on Google Play here: support.google.com/googleplay/

Parental Controls on your Internet Browser

Most internet browsers offer free restrictions to help manage what sites your child can access when online. Find out how to activate parental controls on the most popular internet browsers below.

Google Chrome: google.ie/safetycenter/families
Safari: support.apple.com/
Firefox: support.mozilla.org/parental-controls
Internet Explorer: windows.microsoft.com/using-content-advisor

Parental Controls on Search Engines

Search engines play a big part in what we look at online so it is important to help manage the types of content your child can come across when searching for something online. Most search engines have free controls in place to help parents.

Google Safe Search: https://support.google.com/
Bing: http://www.bing.com/account
Yahoo: help.yahoo.com/kb/SLN2247.html

Parental Control on Video Sites

YouTube Safety Mode: Here
YouTube have also recently introduced a free YouTube kids app which may also be worth considering for your child. Find out more about the new app here: webwise.ie/parents/youtube-kids/

Swipe TV
RTÉ have a dedicated channel app which is a great source of video content for children including videos, games, TV shows and more. The app is suitable for primary level children. rte.rte.ie/swipetv/
Netflix
You can control access to certain maturity levels of Netflix content from the Your Account page under Manage Profiles.

Netflix parental controls consist of four maturity levels:

Little Kids - Watch movies and TV shows suitable for all ages.

Older Kids - Watch movies and TV shows suitable for older kids.

Teens - Watch movies and TV shows suitable for teens.

Adults - Watch all movies and TV shows, including mature content.

For more info go to: help.netflix.com/264

Parental Controls on Game Consoles

In many households, gaming can be just as popular or even more popular than spending time online, so it is just as important to protect our children when gaming. The most popular consoles all offer free parental controls and easy step by step guides to setting them up.
Xbox: xbox.com/en-IE/parental-controls
PS4: playstation.com/parental-controls
PS3: playstation.com/playstation-3/
Nintendo Wii: support.nintendo.com/parent
Ninetendo DS: nintendo.com/parents
PSP: playstation.com/get-help/

Parental Controls on Social Media Apps
Instagram:
Instagram Family Centre provides tools for parents and carers to supervise their teenager's account, including staying up to date with who follows them, and who they follow, and view their daily time spent on the app, and set daily time limits.

More information on this is available here:
https://familycenter.instagram.com/dashboard/ https://familycenter.instagram.com/uk/
TikTok:
TikTok has Family Pairing options which allows parents/carers and their teenagers to set up safety settings based on their individual needs. This includes restricting content that may not be appropriate; selecting privacy settings on the TikTok account; restricting Direct Messages; setting screen time limits; and other useful tools.

TikTok Family Pairing:
https://support.tiktok.com/en/safety-hc/account-and-user-safety/user-safety#4 https://support.tiktok.com/en/account-and-privacy/account-information/screen-time
Snapchat:
The Snapchat Family Centre provides tools for parents/carers to supervise who their teenager is interacting with.

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Online safety - How to set up parental controls

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Parental controls can help reduce the risk of your child encountering inappropriate content online. Find out what options are available for your home.

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Set up parental controls on devices and platforms | Internet Matters

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Set up parental controls on a range of devices and platforms to help children develop key online safety and digital literacy skills.

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Discussing Corona Virus with Younger Kids

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Discussing Corona Virus with Younger Kids

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https://www.calm.com/

https://www.smilingmind.com.au/

https://www.colorfy.net/

https://www.stopbreathethink.com/

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School Counselor Tips for Parents in COVID-19

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School Counselor Tips for Parents in COVID-19

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We're all on edge because of the coronavirus. Our daily lives have been disrupted, we aren't sure what tomorrow may bring, and for many of us the nonstop news and social media coverage isn't helping.

Our experts say that dealing with your own anxiety can be the most powerful way to make sure your kids feel secure. If you or your children are feeling worried, learning how to deal with that anxiety in a healthy way can help the whole family be more resilient, both now and when the pandemic is finally over.

"The treatment for anxiety isn't to make the fear go away, it's to manage the fear and tolerate uncertainty," explains Jerry Bubrick, PhD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute. "So for the kids who've been in treatment for this, it's almost like they have an immune response or they're vaccinated against uncertainty. They've been training for this and now they're able to put their skills in place and for many of them the coronavirus is not affecting them as much as those of us who aren't used to dealing with uncertainty on a daily level."

Many parents are having a harder time dealing with COVID-19 than their children, and some of the anxiety that kids are experiencing may be inadvertently passed on by worried parents.

As parents, we need to be modeling for our kids how to react to stressful times by coping with anxiety in healthy ways. "I think we have to be mindful of the present and stay focused on what is actually happening and not let ourselves go to worst case scenarios," Dr. Bubrick recommends. "If we're showing our kids catastrophic thinking and head-in-your-hands worry, and crying and fear, then they're going to learn that's the way to handle the times now."

Be smart about what you're reading. While we should make sure we are informed about how best to keep our families safe, we should also be thoughtful about what we are reading online to make sure it's actually helpful. It is easy to inadvertently get sucked into reading every update as it comes in, or clicking on, in Dr. Bubrick's words, "the doomsday apocalypse kind of stories, which I would consider to be 'mental health fake news.'"

Consider putting a limit on the number of articles you read, or for how long you will read about the coronavirus each day. If you're consuming media that is making you anxious - take a break. Being informed is one thing; being overexposed is another.

Focus on what you're doing right now. Though we're getting more information about the virus daily, we don't know what will happen, something that's a massive anxiety trigger for almost everyone. It can be tempting to get caught up in imagining what the future might look like, but Dr. Bubrick recommends trying to stay focused on what's happening now rather that what might happen later on. "Focus on making sure you're in the moment, and dealing with things in the present."

Stop yourself if notice that you are getting carried away with "what ifs." It will help if you can set aside time to regularly practice mindfulness, which is a tool to help people stay grounded and calm. Parents can practice mindfulness alone or with children. You can't control the future, but you can take charge of the present.

Rely on routines. Establishing a routine that involves exercise, regular meals and healthy amounts of sleep is also crucial to regulating our moods and our worries. It can be hard to accept that our old routines are no longer possible because of COVID-19 precautions, but looking for ways to be flexible and start a new routine can help you feel less anxious and more productive. Remind yourself that life is still continuing, and ground yourself by doing things like making agendas and setting goals.

When kids are feeling anxious, it may or may not be clear to parents. "We shouldn't be looking for just one thing," says Dr. Bubrick. "We should be ready to handle a variety of different expressions of anxiety." Anxiety could look like:

Kids may not always be able to express how they are feeling. For younger children, Dr. Bubrick suggests using a feelings chart instead of saying "Tell me how anxious you are." With a feelings chart, which you can find on the internet, you can ask kids to point to the feeling they are having now. Parents can also use a traffic light chart to help kids share how intense their feeling is - a red light means they feel overwhelmed, a yellow light is medium and a green light is okay.

For kids who are more able to articulate how they are feeling, Dr. Bubrick says it is better to ask what psychologists call "forced choice questions." "If you ask a vague question you're going to get a vague answer," he says. "So instead of asking 'How was your day?' which is pretty vague, maybe ask, "Did your anxiety get in the way of you having a good day today?" he suggests.

If you're wondering about a teenager, Dr. Bubrick recommends talking about yourself first. "You can say something like, "I saw this article today and it made me wonder about this and that. Did you see something like that? What's your reaction to it?'"

Structure their day. As parents we often think that setting boundaries for a child is a way to make our lives easier, but in fact kids thrive on them, too. It is easy for children to get bored or fretful if they are facing a day without structure, and anxiety can thrive under those circumstances.

Make sure that you are structuring their days when they are cooped up at home. Alternate chores or schoolwork with more fun activities and periods of free time. As restrictions lift and summer sets in, be sure to incorporate safe, socially distant outdoor activities as well. Make sure kids are still getting the chance to exercise and socialize with friends via video chats and social media if they are on it.

Avoid giving too much reassurance. For kids of all ages, Dr. Bubrick recommends avoiding getting into a cycle of providing too much reassurance. Kids can come to rely on the reassurance and want to hear it more and more often - and when a parent isn't able to give them complete reassurance their anxiety can worsen.

Instead, remind kids of the things they are doing to take care of themselves (like washing their hands and staying indoors) and encourage them to focus on being in the moment. They can practice mindfulness activities alone or with you.

Model calm yourself. Don't share your worries with your children, and if you are feeling anxious, find a way to ground yourself. "After this crisis is over, your kids are going to walk away from this having learned things," says Dr. Bubrick. "What will they have learned from you in the way you handled this? Will they look back and say 'Wow, I'm really impressed with how Mom and Dad held it together?' Or are they going to walk away and think the world is a scary place?"

Look for the positive. Finally, Dr. Bubrick recommends looking for the silver linings. "I spoke to a family this morning on Skype and they said, 'You know, our kids are all together for the first time in months and they're playing games together and they're laughing together and we're spending time together.' So there are silver linings, you just have to look for them."

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Anxiety and Coping With the Coronavirus - Child Mind Institute

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Tips to help parents cope with anxiety during coronavirus.

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Call 911 if you are experiencing a medical emergency

Mobile Crisis Response Team:  (603) 816-0101

If you or someone you know is in a behavioral health crisis, the response team is available to help 24/7.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

The Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Every texter is connected with a Crisis Counselor Volunteer.

Disaster Distress Helpline:

Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746

Bridges 24-hour support line:     603-883-3044

Provides free and confidential support to victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

The Hotline- National Domestic Violence Hotline:1-800-799-SAFE (7233)