Check out today’s opinion piece in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution by Journalist Maureen Downey. It begins…

Research shows trauma in children often results from stress that is chronic, unpredictable or prolonged.

In other words, the story of COVID-19.

More than two years into the pandemic, stresses are surfacing not only in K-12 students in Georgia, but in the adults who care for them.

And of course, this applies well beyond Georgia. Maureen interviewed Jennifer Miller on what we can be doing in homes and schools to support our children during these stressful times. Spoiler alert: Focusing on their social and emotional well-being should be our top priority! Our ability to focus on what’s really important (which takes leadership at all levels – school, district, local, state, national) to allow us the time and space to prioritize our children’s physical and psychological safety will not only respond to students’ needs but also, help teachers and parents who love those children feel more capable and confident. We may even create the conditions required for learning to take place enabling us all to not merely survive these times, but thrive.

Read and share! “Opinion: COVID is Stressing Georgia Children. How Can Adults Help?”

This article was written in anticipation of International #SEL Day on March 26, 2022. Learn more about how you can support this widespread effort to focus on children’s social and emotional well-being. Thanks SEL4CA and Equip Our Kids for making this possible.