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Difficult Conversations
Families are the first and most important teachers for their children. When there is a crisis or your child/teen is showing signs of emotional stress, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are a few subject-specific tip sheets for parents, guardians and family members to help guide the conversation.
The most important tips for parents are to stay calm, listen without judgement, believe them, and report. Lastly, when parents seek support for themselves, you are acting as a role model for your children.
FCUSD has extensive, short-term mental health supports available. Parents can make a referral for their child/teen here. We also work with Care Solace, a 24 hr/7 day-a-week navigator service, to connect students, families and staff with substance abuse and mental health treatment. You can self-refer to Care Solace through this page or request that school staff (Counselors, Nurses, School Psychologists, Mental Health Therapists, School Social Workers) make the referral on your behalf.
World Challenges
- How to Talk About the Israel-Hamas War: Resources for Educators (Education Week)
- Talking to Children About War (National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
- Helping Students in Troubling Times (American School Counselor Association)
- Handle with Care: Supporting Young People During Crises (Learning for Justice)
- Facing History & Ourselves Resources
- How to Talk to Kids about Violence, Crime and War (Commonsense Media)
- Helping Children Cope with Emergencies (CDC)
Death
- When a Loved One Dies: How to Help Your Child
- How to Talk About Death
- Death: How to Talk About it with Children
Divorce
- Kids Health: Tips for Divorcing Parents
- How to Tell Kids about Divorce: An Age by Age Guide
- How to be a Great Co-Parent