Let’s Talk About It: Navigating Feelings

We are finishing up the first month of a new school year…already.

The energy that the month of September brings is incredible!  Kids are feeling a whole lot of feelings, however-we often don’t talk about how parents feel so I want to take the time to acknowledge that as parents, we have a whole lot of feelings also!

There may be feelings of relief due to routines being established, sadness due to the fast pace of watching our children gain independence from us, and for many of us there is an increased level of anxiety due to situations within the community and worry about our child’s well-being.  What it reassuring to me is the fact that no matter if it’s the child entering kindergarten, the sixth grader going off to middle school or the senior who is preparing for their last year of high school; as parents, our feelings can often act as a “bridge” to our child’s experience so while we need to acknowledge our own feelings and emotions we need to remember to stay calm to help with a positive transition for all.

So what can one do when the anxiety increases and we are stuck in an unhealthy mindset?

Mayo Health Clinics has a great tip on managing anxiety called the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 method.  It does not require much other than being observant and aware and it can be done ANYWHERE!  No need to sit in a certain position, no need to find a separate space away from others.  You just need to do sit quietly where you are, look around and notice the following:

• 5 things you can see:
  Your hands, the sky, a plant on your colleague's desk
• 4 things you can physically feel:
  Your feet on the ground, a ball, your friend's hand
• 3 things you can hear:
  The wind blowing, children's laughter, your breath
• 2 things you can smell:
  Fresh-cut grass, coffee, soap
• 1 thing you can taste:
  A mint, gum, the fresh air

Another great resource is Merri Guggisberg, a certified parent coach and founder of MKG Parent Coach, who challenges us as parents to PAUSE and bring back joy:

P - presence. Be present with yourself; body, mind, soul
A - attentive. Give full attention and validate feelings-including yours.
U - understand. Listen to understand everyone’s feelings, including yours.
S - support.  Ask yourself, “what support do I need to provide the best care?”
E - explore, Explore solutions together, collaborate on next steps.

With so much going on in the world, in our own communities, it is more important than ever to know where you can go to find support to raise emotionally healthy kids.

Be assured that the Student Support Team is here to help you navigate by offering resources and support when it comes to mental health and substance use issues.  Connecting with your student’s dean is also a great first step! 

As always, our hope is that you have enough information at your fingertips to help your student and if given the opportunity, you can say, “Let’s Talk About It”! The Student Support Team is always available if you have questions.

Colleen O’Neil, LADC
Mounds View Chemical Health Prevention Specialist
651-829-4708
colleen.o’neil@moundsviewschools.org

Julia Geigle, MSW, LICSW
Mounds View Mental Health Specialist
612-790-4928
julia.geigle@moundsviewschools.org

Chad Jayasekera, MA, LICSW
Mounds View Mental Health Specialist 
651-212-5291
chad.jayasekera@moundsviewschools.org