Summertime is here!
Sondra Lehman Psy.S.
Certified and Licensed School Psychologist
These words bring happiness to the ears of students; however, it may not always translate into reality. During the school year students have built in structure, supports, activities and opportunities for social engagement. When school is out drastic changes in sleep schedules, nutrition intake and for many a significant drop in activity levels due to time is spent indoors where there is air conditioning all occur. All of these changes can have a profound impact on both the physical and mental well-being of children. It is possible, with heightened awareness, to avoid this common trap and ensure that summer is as fun-filled and relaxing as imagined.
The brain is an amazing and complex wonder of nature. It requires appropriate stimulation to elicit feelings of joy, engagement, and excitement. It is so important to find mentally stimulating activities for school-age students during the summer months. Doing so can fend off feelings of sadness, loneliness, and boredom. For some depression can become an issue during this unstructured and sometime isolated time. School friends are on vacation, playing video games becomes a lifestyle and watching YouTube a favorite pastime. If children adopt healthy summer routines that included physical activity, social interactions and mental stimulation is a recipe for success.
It is important to note that there is a true connection between the mind and body. If we want children to feel mentally well we can start with including physical movement into their day. Engaging in moderate exercise and/or relaxation/mindful activities for 20 to 30 minutes per day has been shown to improve self-esteem, reduce stress, increase energy level, and improve sleep.
Ideas for summer fun and movement can be as simple as
Taking mindful walks
Collecting stones and painting them
Shopping at a farmer’s market
Cooking together with ingredients they shopped for
Creating a book or graphic novel
Planning a scavenger hunt
My hope is with awareness and some planning summertime can be all that we hope it will be. Wishing you all an amazing summer!
If you should find yourself or someone you know in immediate crisis or need for help, dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. Some other resources for immediate crisis support include:
211 – In Florida, and many areas, most counties will have a dedicated 211 resource hotline. Dial 211 from your phone to be connected to your local 211 branch. This may depend on where you’re calling from if it’s from your Cell Phone.
Crisis Text Line – Text any word (Help, Talk, etc.) to 741741 to be connected via text to a trained crisis counselor.
Paational Suicide Prevention Hotline – Until the 3-digit hotline number is active later in 2022, the original number will still be the one to use – 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).P al. al. al a Our Mission “Professionals United for Parkland was created to identify and meet the short and long-term needs related to mental health/well-being of the South Florida community in the aftermath of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas tragedy through evidence-based services including education for the general community and professionals, clinical training, clinical services, support for clinicians, and more. We work alongside other local organizations and groups to ensure that we identify gaps in current services and that the needs of our community are being adequately addressed. We are entirely non-political.
Professionals United For Parkland Honors the 17
Professionals United for Parkland remembers Jaime Guttenberg. Orange Ribbons For Jaime will honor our daughter by supporting programs that were important to her, as well as those dedicated to pursuing common sense gun safety reforms. Scholarships are awarded to students in three areas - dance, helping others and all abilities.
To learn more: https://orangeribbonsforjaime.org/
PU4P Updates Interested in joining our trauma trained therapists (licensed only) - please take a few moments of your time and join the PU4P referral directory. The MSD community will need services for the long run. PU4P links those in need with a vetted list of trauma therapists. We ask for a commitment of 2 pro-bono clients a year. For more information or questions, please contact info@pu4p.org. Please support PU4P by designating it as your charity with The AmazonSmile Foundation. They will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible smile.amazon.com purchases. Don't forget to check our Facebook page for the most current events, updates, and information about PU4P! Thank you for your support of PU4P and your dedication to the Parkland community.
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