Support for Parents
By Director of Wellbeing and Learning, Sue Easton
This past Thursday, our community embarked on a new adventure through Ridley Remote Learning, or R2L. The initial response from students, teachers and parents was resoundingly positive. Every member of the community was excited to reconnect, share their experiences and emotions, and begin to bring some normalcy back into their lives through the addition of regular learning and new opportunities to connect. We know that Ridley is built on relationships; these will help us get through these challenging times.
But how best to thrive when we are surrounded by change? Please consider these five inspirational statements about change—along with some resources to help support you and the Ridley community.
- Change is an opportunity to do something amazing.
How can you create the space in your home for your child(ren) to create or do something to support or inspire others?
Recommended Resources:
Corona: Artist Illustrates the Matterhorn
2. Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.
How can you model or support learning during and beyond R2L?
Recommended Resources:
Building Growth mindset in children
Virtual Marine Biology Camp – free for kids
The Top 100 Documentaries we can use to change the world
3. Embrace change. Emerge positive.
How can you ensure that your child(ren) uses their identified VIA character strengths to stay positive? (If you haven’t read Dr. Lea Waters’ Strength Switch, now is a great time!)
Recommended Resources:
101 Strength-based Actions to Connect, from a Safe Distance
How School closures can strengthen your family
4. You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.
How can you ensure there is still fun and challenge in your child(ren)’s day?
Recommended Resources:
Games to play collaboratively online
ESF Breakfast of champion challenge
5. Change is a process, not an event.
How can you ensure your family builds practices to endure this change process?
Recommended Resources:
Sleep Better, Do Better (infographic)
Science-backed strategies to build resilience
A Simple Exercise to stay calm in the face of Coronavirus uncertainty
Our lives have changed. But is our response to those changes—both as individuals and as a community—that will ensure we continue to flourish.