Link to WSMV4 Video with Rachel Prichett, LPC-MHSP
School fear, tricky friendships and just the current events swirling around make for some difficult conversations in parenting today. Rachel Pritchett shared a couple ideas to help.
Check in with your own feelings. Process some beforehand. If you are shaking or crying, children can instinctively think “I need to take care of my parent. I don’t think they can handle my feelings.”
Be the source for your kids. Kids talk and stories quickly seem to get elaborated or exaggerated on the playground or cafeteria.
Conversation Starters:
How do you know you are safe? What is at school to help keep you safe?
(You can even research this together.)
What are the ways you know you are safe at home?
Creative Drawing Prompt:
Draw a “circle of control.” Put things “out of your control” OUTSIDE the circle (using words or drawings!) Then put things “in your control” INSIDE the circle. Have fun with it. Questions like, “Do you think the results of the Super Bowl go inside your circle or outside your circle?!” can be in the mix with more thoughtful questions.
You’ve got this, parents & caregivers!
