|
It's hard to believe we've almost made it through the last month of 2023! This month students are hard at work finishing up assignments and projects while teachers and staff are wrapping up lessons and units, all the while finding time to fit in lots of fun! Next week will bring even more excitement with class parties marking the upcoming holidays and the anticipation of two weeks off from school.
While December is full of fun not just at school but also at home with family and friends, it can also be a stressful month for many of us. The holidays often come loaded with expectations that are sometimes hard to live up to. Stress levels can rise for both children and adults as schedules are packed full, familiar routines may be disrupted, and family dynamics come into play.
During the next couple of weeks, remember that structure and routine can be your friend. It's not only okay, but healthy, to set boundaries with your children or other loved ones. It's okay to say 'no'. It's okay for you or your children to step aside and take a break from holiday fun to reset and regroup. In our elementary classroom lessons this year, we have focused a lot on learning healthy coping strategies. Students have learned how to take deep breaths to help regulate their emotions in addition to using methods such as 5-4-3-2-1 grounding, tense and release exercises, and recalling happy memories and thoughts. The next couple of weeks could be a good time to use some of these strategies.
On a more serious note, if you find yourself or a loved one needing extra mental health support during this time, Colorado Crisis Services is available. You can access them online at https://coloradocrisisservices.org to find more information on the help they offer. If you become concerned that you, your child, or another loved one may be experiencing changes in mood or showing signs of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, the following resources are available: Colorado Crisis Hotline - 1-844-493-8255 or text "talk" to 38255; you can call or text 988 for mental health crisis support; or call 911 if there is an immediate safety threat.
As always, thank you for the wonderful support we receive from you and we wish you and your family a fun and safe Winter Break.
Kim Ness
K-8 School Counselor
| 
