For adults and children alike, routine and predictability are calming during times of stress.

When we compare ourselves to others, we’re not making an accurate comparison because we’re only going off the information we have access to

It is important to understand that grief is not a linear process.  We do not start at one stage and then progress through to the final stage.  Instead, grief is cyclical.  It is entirely possible that one will reach acceptance, and then one of life’s milestones occurs like a wedding or graduation, and suddenly we are angry or sad again. 

Our hope is that families will be able to take advantage of this extended four-day weekend to spend quality time together, and to nurture health and well-being.

Globally people are experiencing a different sense of loss too.  I’m basing this discussion on the SCARF model by Cezar Danilevici. 

Last week I reached out to parents to ask how they were coping with the current global situation.  Overwhelmingly I heard, "I'm doing fine, I just am not sure how to help my child".

Universities are doing their best in changing  and challenging circumstances. Priority has been given to current students, they are now working on policies and procedures for applicants for Fall 2020

Trying to maintain your "normal" routine right now is unhealthy, because what we are experiencing is not normal.  Trying to go on as if nothing has changed is invalidating and can actually invite trauma to manifest in alternate ways. 

Seisen Academic and Higher Education Advisor Ms Mary Harington invites families to join a series of "Virtual University Showcases" hosted by BridgeU.

All members of the community are invited to participate in a Holy Thursday prayer service this Thursday, April 9th at 4pm and a Good Friday Stations of the Cross prayer service on Friday at 3pm.

I cannot think of a great opportunity for learning than what we are all experiencing right now.  We are all learning new ways to teach and learn.  We are all learning new ways to connect with others without physical contact.  We are all learning new ways to be alone or be with our partner or be with our family.

As the reality of another week of distance learning and disruption of our regular routines sets in this week, I’d like to focus on keeping it simple and go back to some parenting basics.

 Talking through the “what if”s is validating because you are creating space to listen. Using reflective listening, you are able to convey empathy.  Another reason this strategy is effective is because it allows the person to think about the tools she or he already possesses and how she/he can use those tools to get through whatever they are fearing.