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0000017b-652b-d50a-a3ff-f7efb02e0000KPCW's COVID-19 news coverage for Summit County and Wasatch County, Utah. 0000017b-652b-d50a-a3ff-f7efb02f0000You can also visit the Utah Department of Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization websites for additional information.

Communities That Care Offers Free Virtual Workshops on Parenting Through COVID

Communities That Care Summit County

With fall approaching, and the challenges of kids going back to school becoming more apparent, local mental health nonprofit Summit County Communities That Care is scheduling two free virtual workshops.

 

The Mary Christa Smith, executive director for Communities That Care, told KPCW the organization is hosting a workshop first for the adults who are working with kids—be they teachers, counselors or coaches. The event is called “Frontline Resilience; Strategic Practices For Providers and Teachers” and it takes place on Aug. 12 from 10 to 11:15 a.m.

 

The workshop will be led by Em Cupito, a clinical therapist from the University of Utah who works with kids in the Park City School District.

 

“She has created this training to foster resiliency in kids,” Smith said. “She had created it before COVID, but now more than ever, it’s really important that we help coach our kids and ourselves in how to roll with change, to let go of preconceived notions and expectations, how to manage the anxiety and stress that comes from not knowing what’s going to unfold as the year progresses.”

 

The workshop will be carried on Zoom and Facebook Live.

 

To register, visit Communities That Care or CONNECT Summit County’swebsites.

 

“So when people go and register, they’ll be sent a link,” Smith said. “And there will also be sent to those participants a toolkit in a PDF form. And we’ll lead those registrants through the training along with the toolkit. And then that will be something you can take home with you and utilize with kids and family.”

 

Another workshop is scheduled on Sept. 16 for parents and family members. Smith said that she, personally, is looking forward to the event.

 

“As a parent myself, who is sending a daughter off to college and a son into sixth grade, I’m really looking forward to this training because I need it for myself—reminders of just what emotions are coming up, how to recognize them, and then how to use mindfulness and stress-reduction practices to manage my own triggers around uncertainty and then to be supportive of my kids as well,” she said.

 

Smith said she’d like to advise everyone to be patient with one another.

 

“Let’s be patient, understanding and supportive of the very difficult jobs that our school district have in front of them and their staff,” she said. “It’s so easy to be critical, but that’s not helpful right now. We all need to work together to do the very best we can in these times in support of our district, their staff and ultimately for our kids wellbeing. So I just implore people to be kind and patient and look for the best in each other during this time.”

Known for getting all the facts right, as well as his distinctive sign-off, Rick covered Summit County meetings and issues for 35 years on KPCW. He now heads the Friday Film Review team.
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