How to communicate with kids in times of stress

Editor’s note: The following is by Barb Reiter, prevention specialist for Jefferson County:

The COVID-19 crisis poses new stresses for Montana families with children. Schools have been shut down, leaving students without important structure and social support. Restaurants and other familiar community spaces are mostly closed. And Gov. Steve Bullock issued a “stay-at-home” order, another challenge.

In these uncertain times, there are steps parents can take to help kids deal with the strain and disruptions to their normal routines. As prevention specialist for Jefferson County, I would like to introduce an effective and valuable resource: The Monitor will feature columns on selected topics from “Parenting Montana,” a sampling of what is available at parentingmontana.org.