Self-Care for Parents and Teachers

 

Guide children and young adults in recognizing when self-care is needed and how they can facilitate that for themselves.

Kids chasing each other

Grounding Exercise

Teachers and parents can conduct this grounding exercise with children or young adults by asking these six questions:

1. Gratitude: What am I grateful for today?
2. Connection: Who am I checking in on or connecting with today?
3. Expectations: What expectations of “normal” am I letting go of today?
4. Outside: How am I getting outside today?
5. Movement: How am I moving my body today?
6. Beauty: What beauty am I creating, cultivating, or inviting in today?

Grounding exercise suggested by Dr. Crystal Broussard, LCSW, Clinical Assistant Professor, Tulane University School of Social Work

More Resources  

 

As other ways to provide a sense of calm and predictability to children, caregivers can:

  • Prepare an adjustable schedule (i.e. work/schoolwork time, games, meals, FaceTime® with relatives, exercise).
  • Create work spaces and study spaces for family members.
  • Unplug from technology and work and being fully present for mealtime and family time (i.e. game night or prayer time).
  • Monitor reactions and responses to children (i.e. revisit a conversation when appropriate).

 

Tips suggested by Dr. Maurya Glaude, LCSW-BACS, Professor of Practice, Tulane University School of Social Work 

As other ways to provide order and normalcy to students, faculty members can:

  • Check in via email and provide resources that the student and perhaps their family members can use.
  • Allow students time at the start of class to state anything they would like to share.
  • Ensure course expectations are clear.
  • Publish nuanced due dates.
  • Answer student emails in less than 24 hours, even if the response is to say that you are securing additional information.

 

Tips suggested by Dr. Candice Beasley, LCSW-BACS, Clinical Assistant Professor, Tulane University School of Social Work

Self-Care Suggestions Welcome!

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