December 8: Parent Presentation on Mental Health airs on Eastlink Community TV

Why do adults put their oxygen masks on before children on airplanes? How can we talk to children about the pandemic? What are ways to manage the anxiety we may be feeling? Can the pandemic be explained in terms of loss and grief?

These are some of the questions the Rainbow District School Board’s Mental Health Team explores in “Life Interrupted: A Pathway Toward Resilience and Growth,” which will air on Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 at 5 pm on Eastlink Community TV – channel 10 or 610.

“The idea is that you put on your own oxygen mask first so you can support your children,” says Mary Jago, Mental Health Lead for Rainbow Schools. “By taking care of yourself, you are also taking care of your children.” She adds: “Children may not always be the best listeners, but they are definitely great imitators.”

The Mental Health Team will share strategies for parents/guardians to be kinder and more compassionate towards themselves, focus on what’s happening in the moment, find joy in difficult times, be empathetic listeners, cultivate calmness, take things slowly, and manage anxiety.

“COVID-19 has brought many things to the surface that are out of our control, forcing us out of our comfort zone,” says Mary Jago. “Recognizing what’s in our control, and responding with purpose, builds resiliency.”

“We have been valiant in our efforts to learn to adapt, live and socialize in different ways,” she adds. “The whole world has experienced a collective loss. Our shared experience is called COVID-19, but it looks and feels differently for each of us.”

Participants will learn how to talk and listen to children as they navigate potential grief and loss that may be experienced during a pandemic.

“As we continue teaching and learning through the backdrop of a global pandemic, student well-being and achievement continues to be a primary focus,” says Director of Education Norm Blaseg. “I extend a special thanks to our Mental Health Team who continue to engage families creatively with content that is relevant and timely.”

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217.