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We have learned so many lessons since March 2020. We know that remote learning works well for some students, but not as well for others. Maybe we have seen the value of an education and realize things that we have never thought of before. CSS has chosen to “focus on what we can do, instead of what we can’t do!” We have implemented new projects, attended virtual training, developed a new data management program, and we have continued to “virtually” operate our programs with teen court, community service, and mediation programs. Has this been easy? Absolutely NOT! But, we are proud of what we have accomplished and the work that we have continued to do.
As we have worked with our students during these challenging times, we have learned a few things that have served us well. I think these tips are helpful for guiding us through these next months:
- Help your students/children cope by talking to them and LISTENING. You may be surprised to find what our kids are having to say if you really LISTEN!
- Giving kids a “vocabulary” to help identify their thoughts and feelings. They need to use words like “frustrated,” “overwhelmed,” and “anxious or afraid.”
- We need to look at all of the POSITIVES in our lives every day. Help children focus on things that they have done well, talk about the newly found independence that they have gained, and tell them that you are proud of them.
- Try to find new interests, such as books to read or art projects that you have never had time to work on with your children. Take walks frequently and find new family adventures whenever and wherever you can.
- Try to keep the bigger picture in mind! We need to help our kids understand that many times, life is a “balancing act” made up of a number of different parts.
Although this has not been the experience that any of us might have asked for, we can choose the attitude that will guide us through this, and we can certainly learn from it.
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