Keep Calm and Structure On: How to manage emotions and build structure at home during COVID-19

by Elizabeth Sautter and Dr. Rebecca Branstetter | Mar 18, 2020 | Emotional Regulation | 17 comments

“I’m scared of getting sick and I miss my friends” -5 year old
“I’m scared you are going to get sick and papa (grandparent)” -16 year old
“It’s only Day 2 of home school and we are already going crazy!” -Parent of child with special needs

During this unprecedented time of school closures, social distancing, and fears of the coronavirus, parents are scrambling for ways to support their children’s social and emotional health. 

As a parent, you may be wondering “How do I support my child, calm her fears, and maintain some sense of normalcy during a highly abnormal time?”

If you are a parent of a child with special needs, you may be concerned about managing your child’s social-emotional and behavioral reactions to the big change in their routine. 

All kids (and adults!) profit from structure, predictability, and routines during times of uncertainty. Younger children, children with special needs, and children experiencing high levels of situational anxiety during this time may need structure even more. 

As co-creators of Make it Stick Parenting, we help parents teach their children social-emotional and behavioral self regulation through everyday activities at home. We are offering up this short free three-video series on how to set the stage for a more calm, supportive home environment during school closures.

We invite you to listen, download the tools, and tailor to your personal situation. If something resonates and you want to try it, great! If something doesn’t seem to fit for your family or situation, then adapt as needed. Everyone’s situation is unique and there is no “one right way” to parent in this time. There are some basic guiding principles, however that may help you keep calm, support your child where they are and make the most of this time with your children. 

Download all the Free PDF Tools we mention in our videos by submitting your email below:

1-Four different schedules to print and use.
2-Steps for how to check-in with your child on a daily basis.
3-Calming menus for you and your child.
4-Mindfulness resource guide.GET YOUR FREE TOOLS

Subscribe to get free tools to help create calming strategies, family schedules, and more!

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