{"id":205106,"date":"2020-08-04T14:33:01","date_gmt":"2020-08-04T19:33:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/csinewsnow.com\/?p=205106"},"modified":"2020-08-04T14:33:01","modified_gmt":"2020-08-04T19:33:01","slug":"behavior-health-division-with-back-to-school-information","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/csinewsnow.com\/?p=205106","title":{"rendered":"Behavior Health Division with back to school information"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Bismarck \u00a0 (CSi) \u00a0 Starting a new school year is a stressful time under the best of circumstances, let alone during a pandemic. The North Dakota Department of Human Services\u2019 Behavioral Health Division has a new resource available to help parents and caregivers in supporting children with back-to-school plans, whether that means returning to school full time, distance learning or a hybrid model. The new Parents Lead resource can help guide conversations with children to better prepare them for this school year.<\/p>\n

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\u201cEven with all the uncertainty, parents and caregivers can prepare their kids with healthy skills before returning school,\u201d said Behavioral Health Division Director Pamela Sagness. \u201cDepending on age, these things can include setting expectations around handwashing, walking through different scenarios like returning to school but wearing a mask or distance learning plans.\u201d<\/p>\n

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The new Parents Lead resource encourages parents and caregivers to provide a space for their child to talk about their questions and concerns, be honest about what to expect and lead by example.<\/p>\n

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Sagness suggests instead of highlighting what not to do, parents and caregivers can provide alternative behaviors for their children, such as a fun wave instead of a hug or pointing out the positives in situations that may be different, like eating lunch in the classroom.<\/p>\n

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\u201cSchool leaders, parents and caregivers must make difficult decisions regarding back to school this year,\u201d she said. \u201cThank you to all parents and caregivers for working to ensure students are prepared for this school year while being ND Smart.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Parentslead.org offers resources and tips on:<\/p>\n