Our children have a lot to be apprehensive about - school shootings, lockdowns, bullying, climate change - and now we can add the coronavirus pandemic. Trying to explain this alarming new threat to our already fearful kids can be a challenge that many of us are simply not prepared to handle. So what do we do to help alleviate the anxiety our kids must confront?
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, award-winning selfie filmmaker and Positive Psychologist, recently released a new video entitled 'Truths Change and Still Remain'. The new short film, offered at http://www.enchantedself.com, is a great film to share in trying times to remind us all that we can go from despair to elation if only we turn to love and connection once again. She encourages everyone to pass the new film to kids, grandkids and friends.
"There are 5 easy ways to increase joy in your life right now and get ready for a great future," Dr. Holstein stated.
“Call a friend or relative or just wave hi to a neighbor.
“Make a donation, no matter how small to a local charity like the animal shelter.
“Make a chart for the kitchen magnet space where each person can list if they or someone else in the household does something nice or special.
“Watch a fun movie or show or clips of dogs playing the piano, whatever works for you.
“Write a note to yourself and put it in a safe place about three wonderful things you will do when the time comes to move on - and it will.
“Kids, what do I tell them? What can we do with them, all coped up for who knows how long?
“First of all kids worry and know something is wrong. Don't fool yourself. They sense anxiety, anger, despair, worry, faster than we do. And they see that their routines and patterns of life have been totally changed. So don't try to fool them or trivialize their concerns. On the other hand don't tell them more than they need to know. For example, a 5 year old may only need to know that there is a virus going around and everyone is staying safe by staying at home for awhile. A 16 year old may really want to know what is happening and ask thoughtful questions. What medicines are being used, do the doctors have enough supplies? When will there be a vaccine? Will anyone we know die? Be truthful but don't flood him or her with information. If you don't know the answer perhaps you can find out together or you can help your child search for the answer. If she wants to make masks for the doctors or gather money for the animal shelter all the better. Let kids do their part. Don't discourage action.
“Today's world, as scary as it is, is a great arena for emotional and social growth for your kids. Another great aspect of listening and helping them appropriately is that you will engage with them in ways that reinforce the type of loving connection that definitely makes all of us feel safer, more understood and more productive. We may look back on this time as a win-win for all of us adults and children who have a chance to relate to one another as we go through this trying time.
“My gift to you and your children is a little film I made that in two minutes takes the 'girl' of my books: The Truth and Secrets and of my Films: Falling in Love, Secrets, Conflict and a Bit of Magic, and more, from anguish to elation and happiness once more. I hope you enjoy the images and the music and lyrics. The message is universal. No matter what stage of life we are at, we have disappointments and unexpected changes, we bounce back, move on and later again we flounder, come back. This roller coaster ride of life is a gift if we grow and learn and love through each phase. I hope that is what you see in my film and will gather your strength to do just this during the Coronavirus time in our lives.
“You are free to pass Truths Changes and Still Remain along on Facebook, Twitter, or wherever you share good news! You can find it anytime on the front page of http://www.enchantedself.com.
Dr. Holstein is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at barbara.holstein@gmail.com. More information is available at her primary website at http://www.enchantedself.com.
Profile:
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, internationally known Positive Psychologist is the creator of The Enchanted Self ®, a positive psychology method for happiness and a pioneer in Selfies as Film. Dr. Holstein's Enchanted Self website was included as one of the best websites in positive psychology. She is in private practice in Long Branch, New Jersey with her husband, Dr. Russell M. Holstein.
Dr. Barbara can be found on the web, interviewed, writing articles and posting video 'TED' style talks on Happiness, Positive Psychology, Relationships and Parenting.
She has been a contributor to Your Tango, Heart and Soul, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Redbook, Real Simple, Women’s World, The Wall Street Journal, Psychcentral.com, Time on line, the Today Show and Family Circle Magazine.
Contact:
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
170 Morris Ave.,
Long Branch, New Jersey 07740
barbara.holstein@gmail.com
732-571-1200
http://www.enchantedself.com
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