Few of us have control over events and situations that happen in the world. We recognize that those events can make learners, families, and other members of our community feel unsafe and uncertain. We also know that such events can cause difficult feelings and trauma to resurface.
At SelfDesign, we take the mental health and wellbeing of our community seriously. In uncertain times such as these, we encourage you to be mindful of how troubling events may impact you and others around you. We also ask you to continue prioritizing your and your families’ mental health and wellbeing.
Conversations about significant global events can be challenging, says SelfDesign Learning Community Principal Catherine Dinim. “However, during such times, we are also reminded how important it is that children and youth have access to compassionate, caring, calm adults to help them to feel safe and make sense of the world.”
To help parents, guardians and other members of our community navigate these conversations in an age-appropriate manner and support each other, our Family Services team suggests the following resources:
- How to talk to kids about violence, crime and war: Common Sense Media gathers tips and conversation starters to help you talk to kids of different ages about the toughest topics.
- How to avoid passing anxiety on to your kids: The Gottman Institute shares ways for parents/guardians to help themselves, and their children, by learning techniques to manage stress in a healthy way.
- How to talk to children and teens about uncertainty: The Gottman Institutes explores strategies adults can use to help the young people in their lives learn how to cope when life is unpredictable.
These resources expand on our primary collection of health and wellness resources, found in our Family Services’ virtual Brochure Rack. This digital collection provides materials and resources for all members of the SelfDesign community.
By collaborating with our community to support its overall wellbeing will help us to continue delivering what we consider to be the best educational opportunities available to learners in B.C.
Learn more about Family Services
Read more about how Family Services supports learning at SelfDesign
Meet SelfDesign’s Counsellor, Franya Jedwab
