End of Year Feelings

Wednesday, Dec 01, 2021

The Fall semester is drawing to a close and winter break is in sight! We hope this time of year brings feelings of joy, rest, and time with family. We recognize the demands of the end of term and the holiday season can also lead to stress.

School counselors work hard to teach students how to cope with stress, sadness, and anger. Here are a few strategies we encourage children to practice when they feel this way:

Take big, deep breaths so you can think clearly before acting.
Make time for things you enjoy - read a book, create art, listen to music… whatever activity you love most!
Exercise is known to make us feel better during difficult times.Get active!
Tense and relax major muscle groups (Progressive Muscle Relaxation).
Engage in mind-occupying activities, like puzzles or baking.
Go outside! Time in nature has been proven to decrease stress levels.
Ask for help and talk to someone you trust.

Students may need to be prompted to utilize a coping strategy during difficult times. It’s helpful for adults to validate children’s feelings by saying things like, “It’s okay to be angry; I get angry sometimes too.” Reviewing the coping options a child has during non-stressful times can help your child be ready to tackle more difficult situations.

We wish you all a happy and safe holiday break!

November Highlights:

Students, faculty and staff wrote messages on this year’s “Thankful” wall created by Ms. Wuest & Mrs. Mattos.

thankful-1

Resources / References:

How to help children and teens manage their stress (American Psychological Association)
12 Tips to Reduce Your Child's Stress and Anxiety (Psychology Today)
Helping Kids Cope With Stress (Johns Hopkins Medicine)