It's hard to believe we've already completed our first month of school! Some students have been able to adjust to being back in school while it's taking others a bit longer- which is normal! It may feel like we've been back for a while now, but it's only been a little over 20 days. Give yourself and your child a grace period to continue practicing morning routines.

Back to school can also mean an increase in a lot of different feelings, including anxiety. Take a look at the resources below for information on the difference between an actual illness or those morning "worry tummies," read alouds, and more!

Watch as the main character, Cora, changes her mindset from listening to the worried "what-ifs" to finding the positives!

Lynn Lyons is an international speaker and psychotherapist based in Concord, New Hampshire who helps children and families manage anxiety disorders. In this podcast, Lynn discusses when parents should talk, when parents should stay quiet, and how parents can ask the right questions. Lynn unpacks the idea that when parents talk more, they are actually increasing their anxious child's anxiety.

Podcast Link

Worry stones are a great worry tool to help ground yourself throughout the day. They are also small enough to keep in your pocket so you can take them anywhere you go! Worry stones are meant to be rubbed between your fingers to help ground yourself and give you something to focus on. Worry stones can be made to feel smooth or have some texture- whatever you prefer! Check out the instruction below on how to make your very own!

Worry Stone Instructions

Ms.Hunt is on Twitter. Follow my page for SEL updates, articles, and other helpful tips throughout the school year! @MsHuntSSS

Looking for more resources? Check out the Adjustment Counselor website for SEL information, resources, and more!

Adjustment Counselor Website

The Interface referral service is a mental health and wellness referral help line. Callers from Lynnfield are matched with licensed mental health providers from their database within an approximate two week period of time and are matched by location, insurance and specialty needs of the caller.

The number to reach is 888-244-6843 and they can be reached Monday-Friday from 9-5.

https://interface.williamjames.edu/

We are including this comprehensive list as it is a great resource for mental health resources in our area.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-xLJDUNz7g-oD6e-3Rmclvw75nmSWzQJ/view

September 2022

Heather Hunt, MSW, LCSW

she/her/hers (why I identify my pronouns)

School Adjustment Counselor

Summer Street School

Phone: (781) 334-5830 x3821

Email: hunth@lynnfield.k12.ma.us

Twitter: @MsHuntSSS