Mental Health Supports

Hello Parents,

 

We understand that some children are demonstrating anxiety symptoms as a result of all their fears about COVID-19- we have sent some suggestions for you to share with them if concerns arise, however, if you feel that your child’s symptoms are ‘outside of the norm’ or require some additional assistance please do not hesitate to reach out to the school. 

 

If you are experiencing these symptoms or have questions or concerns, please contact:

Kristine Rose, LCSW-C 443-836-6444; kzwerlein-rose@bcps.k12.md.us

Meaghan Tine, LMSW  410-207-3602; mtine@ssw.umaryland.edu

 

Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

 

What You Should Know

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. COVID-19 is caused by a novel coronavirus; this means it is a new strain that has not been previ­ously identified in humans.

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that is mainly spread person-to-person. Currently, there is no available vaccine or curative treatment, so the best preventative strategy is to avoid exposure.

So far, children appear to be much less affected by COVID-19, which was also seen after other coronavirus outbreaks.

Children with pre-existing illnesses may have different risk, so you should discuss this with your child’s med­ical team.

To reduce the spread of the virus, a variety of approaches will be used, including keeping those who are sick away from others and promoting healthy hygiene strategies. Additional recommendations for ways to contain the virus’s spread could include canceling of events that attract large numbers of people; closing schools, public transit or businesses; and required quarantine, which is the separation and restriction of movement of people who might have been exposed to the virus.

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Common Behaviors of Young Children Exposed to Trauma

 

• -Behavior and Emotion Dysregulation: Crying, difficulty being still, disorganized and repetitive play, sleep disruptions, regressive behaviors such as increased clinging, crying (e.g., children may repeat over and over again what they have heard and may show it in their play, for example, taking care of dolls, animals, toys; covering and keeping their toys, dolls, stuffed animals safe)

•  Other common symptoms: Aggression, withdrawal, regression in toileting, language, sleeping.

• Young children experience the stress experienced by parents and other caregivers. It may affect their ability to regulate their behaviors and emotions.

• Remember: Young children may not be able to verbalize their fears and distress. Adults can buffer young children from absorbing some of the stress that is happening around them. However, young children will still be impacted and adults need to tune in to understand how they are feeling.