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Parent Partnership in Education Newsletter
Parent Support Network of RI dedicates this E-News to our black and brown communities who have been hit disproportionately hard during Covid-19 and continue to experience racism and structural inequities within our society.This Summer Edition features two articles by the American Academy of Pediatrics, "How to Help Children Build Resilience in Uncertain Times" and "Talking to Children about Racism :The time is Now".
As we pursue our efforts to adjust to the new normal that Covid -19 has brought, Parent Support Network of RI hopes that the summer brings each of you a chance to reflect, reset and prepare for the changes to come. We've
included School related updates and other resources to better support you and your children during Covid.
We also continue to partner with educators, community agencies, and advocates to provide families updated resources and supports., like ongoing virtual parent support groups and distance learning workshops. Check out our website often for updates. These virtual workshops are provided for parents, educators and other professionals who are working with and are dedicated to children who are at risk or who have serious emotional, behavioral and/or mental health challenges, be successful in and out of school. Parent Support Network of RI offers peer mentors, who are parents with lived experience, caring for children with behavioral health needs, to support and assist parents with their children's behavioral health and school related needs. Please call our warm line to learn more.
Thank you to students, parents, teachers and school personnel who adapted to distance learning quickly and helped each other move through this
school
year. PSN honors those that are on the
front line
working in the healthcare field and other essential personnel.
Most importantly know that we're here to help each other move through this. Continue to cultivate compassion and remind yourself, "I am doing the best I can in this moment" and take care of yourself and others.
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Talking to Children about Racism:
The Time is Now
American Academy of Pediatrics
Children are listening
As a parent, you must assume children of almost any age are hearing about what is
happening in our nation today. They may overhear adult conversations, see a video on YouTube, or watch news coverage of violent protests. They may feel afraid for their own safety or their family's safety. They might have questions about what the protests mean, why people have been killed by police, and if they are safe
- Check in with your child: Ask what they know, what they've seen, and how they are feeling. Tell them you understand their feelings and reassure them it's normal to feel these emotions. You know your child best and what information they can handle. For younger children, tell them what you are doing to keep your family safe. For pre-teens and older children, ask if they've ever experienced mistreatment or racism, or seen it happening to others.
- Watch for changes in your child's behavior:Some children may become more aggressive, while others will become withdrawn or scared. If you are concerned that your child may be struggling with anxiety, fear or distress, call your pediatrician or mental health provider for additional support.
- Limit what your child sees in the media:Do not leave the TV on in the background. With older children and teens, watch with them and talk together about what you're seeing. Listen to their observations and share your own. Use commercial breaks, or pause the video, to have brief discussions. With younger children, limit TV, smartphone, or tablet use, especially when the news is on. Make sure the media they do see occurs in a common area where you can check in.
- Be aware of your own emotions: As an adult, tune into how you are feeling and check that you are ok. If you are not, ask for help to deal with the trauma and emotional impact of these events and images. Make a list of your own coping strategies, and when you need to use them, tap into that list.
- Use this teachable moment: For all families, this is an opportunity to discuss the history of racism and discrimination in the US and help your children discover ways to make change.
Talk and Act
It's ok to acknowledge that people are treated differently based on the color of their skin and where they live and share examples of this happening. But this is also an opportunity to show your children how to make a positive difference. For example, perhaps your family can call your city council person or superintendent to advocate for issues faced by communities of color. Think about how you might confront your own biases and show how you want your children to respond to others who may be different than them.
Link Below for Full Article:
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Resources
& Latest Educational Updates
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How to Help Children Build Resilience in Uncertain Times
American Academy of Pediatrics
As parents, we want to protect our children from witnessing the fear and uncertainty brought by the
COVID-19 pandemic We wish we could take away the disruption to their education, activities and relationships. And, we wish they were not exposed to suffering.
We cannot control these circumstances, but we can work to strengthen our relationships during this time while building our children's resilience. We can remember to say what so many of our grandparents said to us: "This too shall pass, and you'll get through this with me by your side."
The best way to our children is to shape the lessons gained during this difficult time. We do so best when we intentionally manage our own feelings
and experiences with an eye toward helping them build resilience.
Below are some of the feelings many of us are experiencing, paired with the chance they offer us to model and teach lifelong resilience skills.
"My kids are frustrated, and so am I":
learning to empathize
is one of the most respectful things we can do is genuinely understand someone else's point of view. The best way for children to gain this perspective is by benefiting from it firsthand. You build their empathy for others by working to understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
"Will things ever be the same?": Hope
Resilience is about more than bouncing back. It is about adapting. Growing. Becoming stronger. Being ready for the next challenge, but also being prepared to savor all the good life has to offer. I hope that by the time you read this, the most difficult times will have passed. But, I also hope that these lessons endure.
Uncertainty is frightening, but knowing that we are not alone to figure it out brings comfort. Any individual alone is vulnerable, but joined together we are stronger than the combination of each of our individual strengths. People together can take turns between drawing strength from others and being a source of strength. We will get through this when we come together!
For Full Article link Below:
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Upcoming Events, Distance Learning Workshops and Support Group Schedule
Call us to
register or if you need technical support to prepare for training.
Also our Helpline Continues open through the summer time for families and community, needing Resources and Emotional support during Covid-19 pandemic.
Contact us at
401-467-6855
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Reopening RI Schools: A Community Driven Conversation Series
Join Parents, Students, Educators and Public Health Officials for the first of a series of open discussions to share concerns, considerations and questions that their communities have for the reopening of schools in Rhode Island.
Jul 1, 2020 05:00 PM
Jul 8, 2020 05:00 PM
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Register with gototraining Link below:
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PSN Parent Peer Mentors
P
SN Parent Peer Mentors are family leaders with lived experience raising children, youth, and young adults who are at risk or who have serious emotional and behavioral health challenges; work in partnership with the schools and community partners to promote family engagement and student success; and are knowledgeable of school support services and the special education process. PSN Parent Peer Mentors provide peer support, share up to date information and assist parents to participate in their child's educational team meetings and overall school success. PSN Parent Peer Mentors provide assistance with accessing special education, developing proactive behavioral strategies, dealing with discipline, attendance and truancy issues, and coordinating behavioral health services with education.
During the COVID-19
PSN Parent Peer mentors are available by phone
401-467-6855
PSN has a diverse team with Bilingual Spanish & English Parent Peer Mentors and we work with interpreters and assist with cultural responsiveness. Partners can access parent peer mentor services by sharing our brochures and information with families or going to our website and work with the family to sign consent and release and send over to our program and we will follow up with the family.
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PSN Statewide Hotline
This statewide helpline
is run by parents and family members who have direct experience and understand your needs first hand. Our hotline is delivered by Educational and Peer Specialists that
have knowledge and
experience navigating and accessing different systems from early childhood, special education, behavioral health ,
child welfare to the juvenile justice system. We are here to provide emotional
support and empower you. We strive to educate you on your rights and your child's rights,
so that you can navigate and access the services and supports you need for yourself and your families.
Hotline Available:
Mondays- Fridays 9am-5p &
Saturdsays 9am-12p
Call for more information at 401-467-6855
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Contact:
Naiommy Baret, Bilingual Behavioral Health Education Coordinator &
Training
Specialist
Melody Sorea, Bilingual Behavioral Health Education Specialist
Parent Support Network of Rhode Island
535 Centerville Road, Suite 202
Warwick, Rhode Island
401.467.6855
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