Back to School and Helping Children Build Resilience
A Message From Our CEO, Dr. Kiara Kuenzler
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If you are anything like me, you spent the first few months of the pandemic thinking, “When are things going to get back to normal?” And just when you think you’ve gotten a handle on things, everything is upended again. Yet, as the months continue to pass by, my thinking has shifted and the goal is no longer “getting back to normal,” but rather adjusting to the current circumstances and reimagining what life will look like in the future.
This is especially true this month, as we start the new school year, under circumstances that we have never experienced before. For parents, guardians, and caregivers, the idea of going back to school -- whether virtually or in-person -- can be especially stressful. In this truly unique time, families are faced with more decisions than ever before regarding their children’s education, safety, and mental and emotional wellbeing. Though this can feel daunting, there are steps that you can take to support your child through this new back-to-school process and help them build resiliency even when the future is unclear.
This pandemic has shown the strength, adaptability, and resiliency that we as individuals and as a community possess, and those skills will support us as we move into the unchartered waters ahead. We have grown in our ability to ride the waves of emotion and uncertainty with acceptance and trust.
In this newsletter we’re sharing tips and tricks to help you and your children navigate the emotions they may be feeling as we approach school in a way like never before, and you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter for even more resources.
And remember, it's important to take care of yourself. Not only does it help you, but it also serves as an example to our children on how to practice good mental health and self care. Be sure to take time every day to recharge, have patience with yourself and others, and trust in the power of your own resilience.
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Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Kids K-12
During events like a pandemic where there’s no clear end in sight, some children might have difficulty adapting to change and processing their emotions. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of anxiety in different age ranges:
Preschoolers: increased bedwetting, thumb sucking, difficulty sleeping, fear of the dark, clinging to parents, significant change in behavior, and withdrawal.
Elementary Schoolers: nightmares, difficulty concentrating, irritability, aggressive behavior, clinginess, withdrawal from friends and activities, and avoiding school.
Adolescents: changes in appetite or sleep, irritability, increase in conflicts, difficulty concentrating, social withdrawal, and unexplained aches and pains.
To learn more about identifying stress, anxiety, and depression in different age groups and what you can do to help, read our blog post here.
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Resources for Parents, Caregivers, and Guardians |
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We’ve collected some of our best resources for parents, guardians, and caregivers to practice better mental health and wellness. Check them out below! |
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Taming the Anxious Mind
Learn effective coping skills for anxiety, including mindfulness, relaxation, and how to help others who are working through these feelings. Watch the webinar.
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Parenting During
COVID-19
Learn tips and tricks on how to monitor kids’ usage of technology, manage screen time, and offer them support. Watch the webinar.
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Coping Skills for Kids
Find out how to help kids navigate their emotions and establish coping skills through difficult times. Watch the webinar.
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How to Help with Worry
Identify what worry looks like for children and what tools can children use to manage their concern. Watch the webinar.
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Jeffco Families Colorado: a great resource for local parents with children ages 0-8, created to help parents and guardians support early childhood social-emotional health and development at every age. Learn more here.
Child Mind Institute: a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders. Learn more here.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: a collection of resources compiled by experts in the field of child psychiatry to help parents cope during the pandemic. Learn more here.
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Jefferson Center Named Denver Top Workplace
8 Years in a Row!
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Jefferson Center is honored to once again be named a Denver Post Top Workplace -- a designation we’ve received 8 years in a row! We are proud to receive this award because it is a reflection of our incredible staff and the people who dedicate their talents, energy, and creativity to serving our community every single day. Through crises and uncertainty, our hardworking staff has demonstrated their unwavering commitment to expanding access and improving mental health care in our community. We are so thankful for our amazing team!
Looking to make a move in your career? Visit our website to view open positions and find information about working at Jefferson Center.
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Soirée at Home
An Update on Our Gala
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Our annual gala is going virtual! Mark your calendar for Thursday, September 10, for Jefferson Center’s Soirée at Home. Tickets are now on sale, and include a boxed dinner and wine delivered to your door (delivery is limited to the Denver Metro area).
We invite you to sit back, relax, enjoy the music of local favorite Chris Daniels & the Kings, place your bids on some great auction items, and support our critical programs and services - all from the comfort of home. If you purchase a VIP ticket, you’ll also be treated to appetizers, a specialty cocktail kit and exclusive entertainment prior to the main program.
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Mark Your Calendars, Helping Kids Thrive is Going Virtual! |
Our annual Helping Kids Thrive event is back for its 30th Anniversary! This year, the free, 2-day community event for parents, guardians, and caregivers will be held virtually in the fall. Registrants will also have the ability to view exclusive videos from our presenters for 30 days after the event.
Be the first to know when registration is open and save your seat for this
can’t-miss event by signing up here.
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As your local mental health provider, we are dedicated to offering community members with support, connection, and information for whatever situation you might be facing. Be sure to check out our on-demand and upcoming webinars!
How To: Support Your Kids as they Begin the 2020-21 School Year
Watch the On-Demand Webinar Here
Improving Sleep For Better Mental Health and Wellness
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Good News This Month
Fun and uplifting stories to brighten your day
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Follow Jefferson Center on social media! |
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