Therapists Answer Your Top Questions About Coronavirus Anxiety

https://advice.shinetext.com/articles/therapists-answer-your-top-questions-about-coronavirus-anxiety/?utm_source=Shine&utm_medium=CareForYourCoronavirusAnxiety

Streaming documentaries for the whole family

50+ Best Streaming Documentaries to Watch as a Family - why not make the most of downtime screen time? We are all trying to limit our screen time...sometimes with some measure of success and often times without. Unfortunately, for most of us, it is the most accessible form of entertainment for the whole family.  So why not at least learn something in the process? This list has something for everyone...guaranteed.
https://www.weareteachers.com/documentaries-for-kids/?utm_content=1587067467&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

Changing your mindset will help you manage during quarantine and lockdowns

Your Only Goal Is to Arrive
To survive quarantine, you need to change your metrics
https://forge.medium.com/to-survive-the-quarantine-change-your-metrics-e345d79be14b

reminder! Webinar tomorrow

This is open to all our DAA community...and if you know someone outside of our DAA community who would benefit...please feel free to send it on to them. We're all in this together!

Our homes have become our workplace, school, and the center of our family life. Juggling all these roles is challenging to say the least! We hope you will join us for a webinar focused on staying productive while working from home.

Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Time: 3-4pm
Location: The comfort of your own home.

Thank you to the fantastic team at the Lighthouse for offering this complimentary webinars for the DAA community!


Meeting Link: https://bit.ly/3alUEHD
Be sure to click the link and register before the advertised start time.

Self-Care in the Time of Coronavirus

When you’re a parent, self-care often slips to the bottom of the list. But taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury. It’s essential. And during this difficult time, when children are home and stress is running high, it’s more important than ever. Here are five tips from our clinicians that can help.

Read the full article at https://childmind.org/article/self-care-in-the-time-of-coronavirus/

Staying Productive While Working From Home

Our homes have become our workplace, school, and the center of our family life. Juggling all these roles is challenging to say the least! We hope you will join us for a webinar focused on staying productive while working from home.

Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Time: 3-4pm
Location: The comfort of your own home.

Thank you to the fantastic team at the Lighthouse for offering this complimentary webinars for the DAA community!


Meeting Link: https://bit.ly/3alUEHD
Be sure to click the link and register before the advertised start time.

A webinar supporting working parents during Covid 19.

We know it is not easy to juggle all the roles you are playing now...and the stress of the situation we find ourselves in has begun to wear you down, we're sure. Sometimes it's nice to just talk to and get real tips from other parents who are in the same situation. Please find some information below about a webinar that hopes to provide support for parents with working and learning from home.
Mira & Frank

From the Coach Link

We are now weeks into life with COVID19 in the world. I hope that all is still well with you and everyone that you know and love.

Like everyone else, we are navigating our way around doing everything from home - two full time working adults plus a child that is learning from home. It is not always easy, but it is not always horrific either. We try not to dwell too much about what we are "missing" because we are blessed in so many ways.

One of those is the ability to have internet that enables connections with the outside world. We are able to work, learn and socialize during these times.

The other thing that I love about the power of the internet is the ability to continue to serve our customers, clients and partners who I deeply care about. It also gives me the potential to reach more people who might need support during these times.

This Wednesday, April 22nd @ 4 PM - 5 PM I will be part of a FREE live webinar organized byTheCoachLink. Fellow coach, Agni Skafidas, and I will share some real talk about what it is like for working parents during COVID19. 

During this session, I will be super transparent about what it's like for me personally - the good, the bad and the ugly - and I will also share some helpful tips that you can try (and what has worked for me personally) as you navigate your way through these times.

Some of the areas we will be covering are: 

• Managing your productivity at home
• Understanding the different expectations attached to our many roles ( mother, father, wife, sister , daughter in law / sister in law , friend , boss , colleague and also now a teacher )
• Gaining clarity on which areas to adjust and simplify
• Redefining your new normal and crating your approach to find zen amidst a pandemic.

Sign up at this EventBrite link to register for FREE!

A focus on student wellness

An entire site dedicated to student wellness!
https://sites.google.com/view/hightechhighcov19wellness/student-wellness?authuser=1&fbclid=IwAR2eWr7RcvAMsq9rgPQm1lSiV5UFJy1JKYbbNjReTdqoTMCY28VsWQxpzdc

There are virtual relaxation rooms, activities, and live wellness sessions. This is definitely a site to bookmark!

Telehealth services offered by the Child Mind Institute.

The clinicians employed by Child Mind Institute are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with emotional, behavioral and learning problems. They work with children, teens and young adults across the country and internationally.

https://childmind.org/our-care/telehealth/#panel2

*This service is not endorsed by GEMS Dubai American Academy. This post is purely for informational purposes.

Talking to our children about COVID-19

An informative and brief video with some pointers regarding talking to your children about COVID-19.
Presented by Dr. Amy Bailey from Kids First Medical Center.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RZntxVVWMw

Cultivating Health, Well-Being, Joy & Compassion While in Solitude

An interesting and complimentary webinar. Please note that this will take place at 8pm (Dubai time) on Saturday the 18th of April. Follow the link below to read more about the presenter and to register for the webinar.

https://www.awakin.org/calls/465/stephanie-nash/

Wellness Webinar - Emotional Resilience During Uncertain Times

We would just like to send out a BIG thank you to Dr. Afridi, from the Lighthouse Center for Wellbeing, for a fantastic webinar yesterday. It was nice to stop, breathe and focus on our own wellbeing for a little while. We walked away with some great tips on emotional regulation and managing our mental health as we go through this incredibly challenging time.
Thank you to those that were able to join!

An extensive bank of museums and galleries with virtual tours

Just because we are staying home, it doesn't mean we can't enjoy a little history and culture. If anything, we can skip long queues, crowds taking pictures, and hefty ticket prices. Why not take a tour of a museum with your kids at home this weekend?

Within the attached pdf are links to the museums and art galleries.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hZjgEjHR-xQm0qiEIgl38Kkb4pVrFqMR/view?usp=sharing

Thank you to Mr. Padraig Downey for sharing this fantastic resource!

Coronavirus: 5 lessons from a teacher-parent at home

We are all learning new things about ourselves...and our children, as we have moved to working and studying from home. This article applies directly to teacher-parents...but some of the lessons can be applicable to all work sectors.

https://www.tes.com/news/coronavirus-5-things-learned-working-home-while-home-educating?utm_campaign=14135212&utm_content=Daily-Register-310320&utm_source=exact-target&utm_medium=email

Reminder of the complimentary webinar for the DAA community

Meeting Link: https://bit.ly/2UP2u7U

The constant battle of keeping your kids indoors...peacefully

How to Help Teens Shelter in Place
Teens are not made for isolation, which makes COVID-19 especially hard on them. Here's how to help your teenager to see the bigger picture.

BY CHRISTINE CARTER | MARCH 20, 2020https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_help_teens_shelter_in_place

Taaluf Family Counseling

The Ministry of Community Development, MoCD, has launched four interactive channels under a new initiative named 'Taaluf' to provide family counseling for free to all UAE community members.
https://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/mocd-launches-taaluf-counselling-initiative-2020-03-31-1.693782

https://www.mocd.gov.ae/ar/services/family-counseling.aspx - use this link to register

Daily guided mindfulness sessions

The Center for Mindfulness and Compassion is offering free guided live-online mindfulness and compassion practices every day.

They are based in the US...so please be aware that they are 8 hours behind us here in Dubai. Most of the free sessions that they are hosting are in the morning (for them) which makes it perfect for an end-of-the-day relaxation exercise for us here in Dubai.
https://www.chacmc.org/connect?fbclid=IwAR2Z6QqI81pCywjepD9yirYmPPuTfouGjIj3m0-02qfbCueiXiWPc2AufJ0

Complimentary Webinar for the DAA Community

Link for the poster

Emotional Regulation in Uncertain Times

This pre-recorded webinar presents :

Evidence-based Strategies for Regulating Emotions In Uncertain Times

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctSWJ2BLDC8&feature=youtu.be

VIRTUAL WELLNESS WEEK - hosted by local business Tania's Teahouse

Just for a little levity, change of pace and self-care.

https://www.taniasteahouse.com/virtual-wellness-week

VIRTUAL WELLNESS WEEK

from: TUESDAY 7th APRIL - WEDNESDAY 15th APRIL 2020

Tania’s Teahouse is launching a virtual wellness week which you can join from the comfort of your home!

In an effort to support local businesses and provide wellness tips to our communi-tea we’ve collaborated with a number of inspiring experts who host informative and useful sessions virtually, everyday at 10.00 AM and 4.00 PM, on how to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and quarantine-related cabin fever; we have all sorts of wellness methods featured- from yoga, cooking classes, tea talks and art therapy, to practical tips from health professionals who will help revamp your self-care routine!

Most of the workshops will be interactive or have Q&A sessions at the end. Should you miss any of the sessions they will be accessible for 24 Hours afterwards too.

Hosted on @TaniasTeahouse IGTV

check out our schedule below:

week 1

 Week 2

Parenting tips for remote learning and managing behavior

As parents we are all facing challenges with screentime, power struggles with our children, behavior challenges due to excessive stress and feeling unsettled. This video has some fantastic ideas for managing all of these challenges. It focuses on a collaborative model that includes your children in the solution.
We hope you enjoy
Collaborative Proactive Solutions During COVID-19: A Coffee Chat Ross Greene - from the Thriving School Psychologist Collective.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwdFSc4YGKg&feature=emb_logo

For Arthouse movie fans

Since we are all home, why not explore a new genre of movies? Please see below for a message from Mr. Downey, our HS IB Theater Arts teacher. 
Please note that not all the movies are appropriate for all age levels. Screen at your discretion.


Dear all,

For those who are interested in Arthouse European and Asian movies as well as movies from the Arab countries, my friends at Cinema Akil in Alserkal Avenue are offering free movies for three months. Simply click on the link  https://mubi.com/cinemaakil  and see instructions. You do have to input credit card for 10 USD which is charged AFTER the third month trial. However, you may CANCEL BEFORE the three month period so you do not have to pay.

I know how hard their team works and how much they, and all artists, are struggling so  this is a great incentive to bring you great movies (for free if you opt) or to give them a little something if you opt. 

At the moment, audiences can enjoy these films: 3 IDIOTS Directed by RAJKUMAR HIRANI, India, 2009 Comedy, Drama, Romance; JOURNEY TO THE SHORE KISHIBE NO TABI Directed by KIYOSHI KUROSAWA, Singapore, 2013 Drama 100 Mandarin English; ILO ILO Directed by ANTHONY CHEN, United States, 1934 Drama, Romance; OUR DAILY BREAD Directed by KING VIDOR, United States, 1934 Drama, Romance; OM DAR-B-DAR Directed by KAMAL SWAROOP ,India, 1988; and VHS MASSACRE: CULT FILMS AND THE DECLINE OF PHYSICAL MEDIA VHS MASSACRE Directed by KENNETH POWELL, THOMAS EDWARD SEYMOUR, United States, 2015 Documentary, Comedy.  

The films change every 30 days. 

This is an article in Time Out about the offer .  https://www.timeoutabudhabi.com/film-tv/438270-uaes-cinema-akil-launches-online-platform-with-free-movies-to-watch

Holding on to Happiness

How to Hold on to Happiness When Your World Collapses
Tips for four weeks of self-isolation: An evidence-based guide.

As we all move to stricter lockdown measures, we hope that this guide allows you to continue finding happiness where you can. We are all in this together and will come out stronger at the other end!
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-happiness/202003/how-hold-happiness-when-your-world-collapses?fbclid=IwAR1LGMTrTy8TJmeOHqCvldJYUQX6PB4niqyKihxBry5h9mgM1HqGhj-_FAI

A Webinar for parents through The Lighthouse Center for Wellbeing

Organization skills to support remote learning

Having good organizational skills is an essential component of success. It is imperative now, more than ever, with remote learning, to be as organized as possible. Many students are craving the routine and familiarity of the school day in order to support their success. With our support, our children can create an organized space and routines that will set them up for success at home as well. The article linked below has some great suggestions.
https://www.oxfordlearning.com/organized-middle-school-students-parents/

Mindfulness to overcome stress

Mind Yeti

Mindfulness 15 lessons…more for 6^th grade and younger…older kids can do it on their own…might be a nice break from the daily grind.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiaUKiwbiHMQDQLCXoPaMMYotldKlUQCw

Storyline Online

This one is really for the younger ones...but if you have them, it's a wonderful way to have them listen to classic stories being read to them.
https://www.storylineonline.net/

Humor can help us cope with the stressful situation we find ourselves in.

'Laughter Helps the Brain Relax.' How Humor Can Combat Coronavirus Anxiety

https://time.com/5811041/laughter-humor-coronavirus/

Top tips for looking after your mental wellbeing while at home

Be safe and stay connected - Self-isolation doesn't mean cutting off all communication, in fact, it's more important than ever to talk and listen, share stories and advice, and stay in touch with the people who matter to you.


Take notice of things that make you feel good - Eating healthy food, keeping moving by going out for walks or exercising can help us to feel good. Notice the beauty outside your window or on a walk around the block, taking time to acknowledge people you see.


Go on an information mini-break - the endless updates from news outlets and people on social media can be completely overwhelming. Pick one trusted source of information and visit it once a day only.


Share how you're feeling - Talk to loved ones and friends. Talking has the effect of lifting our mood and really helps us to begin to feel more positive if we're having a tough time.


Keep moving - Find ways to move your body and your mood every day. It's OK to go for a walk, run or ride your bike, as long as you avoid other people.


Stick to a routine - This sounds dull but it will help you get through each day. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time, eat regularly, shower, change your clothes, get some fresh air, book in video-chats with colleagues or friends, do your chores. Make time for fun!


Find ways to relax and distract - Finding things that help you breathe deeply, consciously setting your worries aside or focusing on the moment to recharge can be helpful. Distracting yourself by watching films or TV programmes, reading or listening to music will help you to set things in context and provide relief from anxious feelings.


Source: Sarah Kendrick, psychotherapist for Shout

from https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-52110460

Virtual Fieldtrips

Being homeschooled doesn't mean that you can't take field trips...
Follow this link for some fantastic virtual field trips!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SvIdgTx9djKO6SjyvPDsoGlkgE3iExmi3qh2KRRku_w/mobilebasic