Watching Smart, Avoiding News Overload in the Time of Coronavirus

Source: FIU’s Center for Children and FamiliesSource: FIU’s Center For Children and Families

Continued media exposure to stressful events can have a significant impact on a child’s psychological wellbeing. With the COVID19 pandemic dominating news cycles, psychologist Jonathan Comer offers tips on how to manage media exposure during this stressful time.

Stability and structure are reassuring to children. Maintain your child’s typical waking times, mealtimes, and bedtimes throughout school closures and quarantines.

Find out what they know. As much as possible, stick to answering questions rather than volunteering too much information. When clarifying details, explain the current events in a factual manner, without giving unnecessarily disturbing or graphic details.

Stick to credible information outlets and limit excessive news consumption. Watching the news “around the clock” does not typically provide any more or better information than you get from briefly checking in with the news a couple of times per day.

Monitor social media. For some, social media is a way to stay connected. Unfortunately, it often spreads misinformation and focuses on the emotional aspects of stressful situations. Setting limitsto the use of digital devices can help.

Be confident. Research shows that during stressful times children feel more secure when their parents act calm in front of them. Pay attention to your own emotions and be careful not to show your child excessive displays of emotion.

Feelings are normal. Let children know that it is normal to feel upset, scared or angry. You want children to accept their feelings.

Praise positive thoughts. When your child offers positive or hopeful thoughts, be sure to praise him or her. Tell children how proud you are of them and encourage them to keep thinking along those lines.

Have children write thank you letters to medical professionals or elected officials who are working to keep the community safe. Children can also make cards to show their appreciation to local heroes who are finding unique ways to help others.

Comer has conducted extensive research on the psychological impact of traumatic events on youth. As director of the Mental Health Interventions and Technology Program at FIU’s Center for Children and Families, he conducts research on expanding the quality, scope and accessibility of mental health care for children and adolescents. Families can obtain additional information and resources on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website www.cdc.org. If you think your child may be experiencing symptoms that are interfering with daily functioning, contact the FIU Center for Children and Families at 305.348.0477 to seek help. or visit www.ccf. fiu.edu

We work closely with each child and their family to provide the highest quality care using treatments that are proven to be effective. Our center offers a wide range of individual and group services to support you. Our services are available both inperson and through telehealth. We are currently providing clinical services for the following concerns: ADHD, anxiety & fears, conduct & behavioral problems, family stress & parenting support, mood problems & depression, problems with academic & social skills, trauma. k

● Differentiated instruction to meet each child’s needs ● Individual Education Plans (IEP) ● Academic Achievement assessments 2xs per year ● Small classroom sizes, children will kept 6ft apart ● Groups maintain together all day ● Bachelor and Master degree level teachers ● Multi-Modal teaching approach ● Accommodations to meet each child’s individual needs

● High Scope Curriculum promoting communication, problem solving and critical thinking skills ● Hands on learning ● Nurturing, safe and friendly environment ● Music Therapy & Cooking program ● Small classroom sizes, children will kept 6ft apart ● Groups maintain together all day ● Bachelor Degree level teacher ● Accredited by NAEYC

We are dedicated to following all CDC and Health Department guidelines for students to ensure the safety of our students and staff Gardiner, McKay and School Readiness accepted • Additional Financial Aid Available for all students Serving children with special needs & typically developing children.

8571 SW 112 Street - Miami, Florida 33156 • 305. 596. 6966 • WWW.CRFCENTER.ORG

Trump International Beach Resort

Miami invites everyone to join its New

Year’s Eve Beachside Bash at Gili’s Beach

Club from 8 to after the ball drops with special Happy Hour drink pricing.

The family friendly event will include ummer at Camp Carrollton is a funfilled, engaging summer program for girls and boys located on the Sgames, face painting, s’mores and live entertainment. The Bash will be held outdoors, on the beach, with enhanced social distancing in place. Their primary goal is to provide every child with a high quality, safe and fun learning environment. ers will be grouped together during their scheduled rotational set of activities. Carbeautiful campus of Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart in Coconut Grove, Florida. For a casual New Year’s dinner, celebrate with a special beachside buffet and complimentary champagne toast at midnight. A variety of camp and class offerings provide campers girls and boys ages 3 to Grade 6th an opportunity to participate in activities such as daily swim lessons, rollton has also implemented COVID19 policies and protocols so that they can safely bring campers back to campus.

Price: $75 adults | $35 children ages 5-12 (children under 4, complimentary) sports, robotics, coding, science, dance, and art. These are just a few examples of what campers can experience as they try Camp schedules also include half or fullday offerings. After care is offered weekly to create an extended day. Summer at new things, make new friends, and create Camp Carrollton faculty and staff are positive memories each day at camp! eager and excited to welcome new and Taught by many of Carrollton’s teachers, returning families to another fabulous as well as the brightest teachers from summer! k other schools and organizations in the area, Carrollton camps keep your student active and engaged over the summer months. They will be creating pods of campers in each session where camp

Now Dog Friendly! The resort has announced its new pet friendly policy, which now allows guests the opportunity to stay with their furry companions at the luxurious 360-room beachfront resort. Upon arrival, each pooch receives a Danny Williams. “We are excited to be welcome gift with key amenities to make able to launch our new pet policy that for a “puptastic” stay, including a food not only makes traveling a breeze for mat, waste bags and a city guide to both guests and their canine companions.” nearby walking paths. Though guests are encouraged to bring their own dog The resort’s dog friendly policy allows beds, food and water bowls, these items up to two dogs of no more than 40 are available upon request, if needed. pounds each, per guest room. Pets must be leashed during walks and are not “We know it’s difficult for families to permitted in the pool, beach, fitness leave their four-legged friends behind center or spa. There is a $25 per pet, per when traveling,” said Managing Director night fee, exclusive of tax. k

For more information or hotel reservations, visit www.trumpmiami.com or

To register visit their Camp Carrollton call 855-807-1933. Restaurant reservations are strongly suggested and can be made by calling 305.692.5771. website www.carrollton.org.

A weekly newsletter sent every Wednesday that promotes what parents and families need to know! From family fun, tips on education, classes, virtual activities, to health and wellness!

GiGi’s Playhouse Miami is excited to announce the opening of Let’s Change the World Together. With 52 locations and over 20 more despite being the most frequent chromosomal disorder. Because of Grand Opening Party! their Miami location, making the 53rd expected to open within the year, this, and because of lack of funding location in the United States and Mexico, GiGi’s makes a lifetime commitment from other government organizations, with a grand opening celebration! Join to offering support from diagnosis there is surprisingly little known

GiGi’s Playhouse at their new Miami to adulthood, the principal core definitively about the condition.” From

Lakes location on Saturday, April 24 at message is global acceptance for a prenatal diagnosis to career skills, 2:00 pm. Nancy Gianni, Founder of GiGi’s everyone, which we live out every GiGi’s Playhouse makes a lifetime

Playhouse with her daughter GiGi, and day by celebrating the achievements commitment to empowering families

City officials will be attending the event. of individuals with Down syndrome with all the tools their child needs to

Everyone is welcome! through programs, special events, and succeed! k critical social change campaigns.

GiGi’s Playhouse is the only center at not cost nationwide network of Down According to the Global Down syndrome achievement centers created Syndrome Foundation, “In the to provide lifechanging and results U.S., Down syndrome is the least driven programs for children, families, funded major genetic condition by and the community. our National Institutes of Health GiGi’s Playhouse is located at 16451 NW 67th Ave. Miami Lakes, Fl 33014 For more information visit www.gigisplayhouse.org/miami