Chaplains Spot
Chaplain’s Spot
Helping children cope with stressful events.
‘Sometimes kids can’t keep up with adults. We need to slow down so that we can walk together.’
These days, and particularly since the covid-19 outbreak, there seem to be more stressful triggers in our lives, especially [but not only] for our children. Families face more stress, from external factors, or from within. This may be due to long working hours, divorce, illness, unemployment or moving house. How do we help our children navigate through these situations?
Children respond to stress or change in a variety of ways:
They may act younger than their age. This might tell you that it is all too much, and they need you.
They may be clingy, demanding or disruptive to gain attention, care, support, information.
They may have disturbed sleep, nightmares or bedwetting.
They may become very withdrawn or easily upset.
They may try very hard to make everything better for the family.
They might find it hard to tell you how they feel, because they do not want to worry or upset you further.
What to do:
Reassure your children constantly that you love them.
Explain clearly what is happening, and that it is not their fault.
Let them know that even though you may be upset yourself, you are in control.
Where possible, include your children in decisions that affect them.
Encourage them to talk to someone they trust.
Let them know that they may experience a range of feelings, and give them ways to express those feelings.
Take time to try and understand how they are feeling and behaving – be patient and tolerant.
Try to stick to familiar routines.
Make sure there are people around to support both you and your children.
Exploring Resilience Day:
On August 9th, I will be providing a time and place for us to consider resilience. Like the Feelings Day, there will be various resources available, plus students can talk with me about this topic. It will run again in Room 8 [2B] between noon and 3.15.
The Term 3 rosters are set up for Toast Tuesday, as well as the Meal train, providing valuable assistance to some of our neediest families. The links are listed below:
Meal Train roster: The Meal Train link is https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/vlwooz
Toast Tuesday roster: The Toast Tuesday link is volunteersignup.org/3TCXX
Second-hand uniforms: We have plenty of winter items, so check them out on Tuesday mornings!
Emergency food items: Our food trolley has been replenished, so if your family would appreciate some extra food, please visit me at Toast Tuesday. Otherwise, you can contact me by phone or email.
FAMILY HINTS: NO – children don’t wind down on screens before bed; they stay alert.
YES - Read with your children, to relax them and prepare them for bed.
FRIDAY FUN: Today’s is: What is the best present you can receive? A broken drum – you just can’t beat it!
Contact: If you need to contact me, you can email, phone, or see me on my days at school.
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Alan Silverwood: Chaplain - Pastoral care for our community. [Monday, Tuesday, Friday]
[alan.silverwood@education.vic.gov.au]
Supporting the wellbeing of our School community -
emotional
social
spiritual
practical
Our Chaplaincy program is funded by the Federal Government’s ‘National Student Wellbeing Program’, the GRPS School Council and donations.