TULSA, Okla. — It’s a tough time to be a kid, especially as many school districts move to distance or virtual learning.
Jessica Orvis is a mother of four, she said she’s noticed some changes in her children.
“They’re more subdued at times and getting them to want to be children right now is difficult," she said.
Orvis is also a licensed counselor. She said kids are really missing out on the social aspect of school, especially those at a younger age.
“Learning a child’s place in the world is really being affected right now by not being able to socialize and engage," she said.
Orvis said it’s important for kids to have the same outlets they did in school, and parents have to get creative. She said they’ve been taking walks, getting ice cream, playing games and making jokes to keep their spirits up.
“So whether it’s sending them outside and getting noise out, whether it’s allowing them 10-minutes in their room to just be ridiculous and play loudly," she said.
Orvis said when it comes to parents, it’s okay to not be thriving right now. If you’re stressed out and need a break, just step away.
“I think adults can model right now, like, 'Hey, I’m overwhelmed, I’m going to go for a walk,'" she said. "Or, 'I’m overwhelmed, I’m going to color.' You know, we have to go back to basics right now, so really giving everybody a break really will help a lot right now.”
Orvis said she’s enjoying the time having her family all together, slowing down and trying to find humor in things every day.
“Extending the grace and patience of, you know what, I’ve never gone through this before so I’m not really sure what to do," she said. "But I do know I love you and I do know that I’m going to be by your side through this."
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