Now that we have weathered several seasons of life in a pandemic, many of us have settled into the anxiety a bit. By now, most of us have given up countless get-togethers, forgone summer vacations or family reunions, and lost all kinds of previously taken-for-granted aspects of our day-to-day work or school lives. We have…
This school year has begun like no other school year in history: online. The majority of students in Northern Virginia, and the rest of the country, are now a few weeks into distance learning. Students have become more accustomed to learning online at this point in the pandemic than they were in March. Still, distance…
In early March (what I have come to refer to as “the before times”), none of us could have imagined that we would be heading into a new school year with social distancing, mask wearing, and limits on travel and other activities still necessary and still in place. As time goes on, it may become…
Cultivating a mindfulness practice where one nurtures being in the present moment with lovingkindness and without judgment can prove to be a valuable coping tool for managing the COVID-19 pandemic. The uncertainty thrust upon us along with the burdensome daily extras inherent in the quarantine and home schooling can serve to increase our personal and…
The stereotype surrounding teens and risky behavior is one that, in this case, is well-founded. Teens often don’t consider the consequences of their actions, even when they are well-informed about the risks. Or if they do consider the possible negative outcomes, somehow those consequences don’t get factored in to their decision making. This trouble with…
In these extraordinary times, many parents are feeling overwhelmed and stretched thin in a way that they have never experienced before. Not only are they navigating their own anxiety about how to care for their family in the midst of a global pandemic, but they are also concerned about the long-term impact that it will…
Since the start of this COVID-19 pandemic, we have all faced an incredible amount of uncertainty about the future. Not knowing what is going to happen, social isolation, and having so many things out of our control increases the risk of experiencing feelings of anxiety and/or depression. We all have a desire for certainty and…
As COVID-19 continues to impact our daily lives, families are charting a new course this summer while we all work together to keep our communities safe. From the loss of end-of-the-school-year parties to limited playdates and cancelled summer camps, these unexpected changes in plans, normalcy, and routine mean that kids (and parents) are challenged more…
During these times of intense fear and uncertainty, it is completely understandable that many families are experiencing an increase in emotional distress. We are all facing major life adjustments, hardships, and obstacles in our daily life that greatly challenge our ability to function well. In order to cope with these struggles and unfamiliar situations, children…
Motivating children to complete assignments is a challenge many families face during a typical school year. During atypical times, such as the current school closures and subsequent move to parent-led instruction, this challenge can seem more overwhelming. Below are six strategies parents can implement to ease this interaction: Set Realistic Expectations. Expectations around assignments and…
