Activating Empathy in Children

Join Francesca Watson, Dept. of Family Services’ Body Safety Program Coordinator, and Lori Harkin Huse, LCSW, London Towne Elementary School as they discuss how adults can engage in important conversations with children about body safety. Hear about boundaries, choices, big feelings, mandatory reporting, the impacts of trauma, and adverse childhood experiences during this powerful podcast. More information and resources are here: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/children-youth/volunteer-partner-services/body-safety

In recognition of School Social Work Week, we are joined by Sharita Crawford, a social worker in Region 3. Sharita shares a day in the life of a social worker, and discusses the importance of purposeful conversations as we continue to process our thoughts around the pandemic.

Join Prevention Specialist Chad Christian to hear about opportunities for students to earn mini-grants this week. Grants up to $1,000 will be awarded to students who design creative, innovative projects that aim to reduce the perceived stigma of mental health issues and substance use disorders. The deadline is Feb. 11 so listen to Healthy Minds podcast today!

As we turn the calendar onto a new year, Deborah Callsen, a physical education teacher from Haycock Elementary School, shares lessons of positivity and health boosters for all of us. She explains the Health Triangle of physical, mental and social health along with concrete, creative, and actionable ways to meet (or surpass) these needs for students, staff, and all listeners.

Maria Genova, FCPS psychology supervisor, shares unique ways we can all give through “connections” this holiday season and reap the results of added joy in our lives. She addresses how we can learn to flex our “happiness” muscles and how we can look for the micro-moments to feel and demonstrate and cultivate optimism.

Ronne Lancaster, school psychologist at Herndon HS shares important information on actions families can take to help their students cope with the ongoing pandemic. Action strategies relating to managing screen time, building personal resilience, and the importance of recognizing one another’s positive strengths and seizing times to turn current challenges into positive opportunities to move forward.

Learn how Healthy Minds’ short term behavioral health resources and peer support partners (available at low or no cost) can help struggling children and teens across Fairfax County. James Gillespie, Director of Youth Services for Healthy Minds Fairfax, addresses some of the mental health trends underway during the current pandemic and how parents can access help for their children and themselves.

Jesse Ellis of Fairfax County’s Neighborhood & Community Services shares the five key takeaways from Fairfax County’s most recent annual youth survey. FCPS students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12 have been voluntarily sharing their anonymous, honest thoughts and feelings for more than 20 years. The survey sheds light on the health and well-being of our student population, and gives insight on what parents and caring adults need to know about how they can help students succeed and avoid or reduce risky behaviors. Information is used to help prioritize focus for prevention and youth programming efforts throughout Fairfax County communities.

Join FCPS Instructional Technology Specialist Tammy Sisk; a 26 year veteran, for a conversation on how to create balance and well-being within our current virtual learning and living environment. Tammi shares practical strategies for students, families, and educators, who are looking for ways to find balance and increase their knowledge of digital citizenship.

Today's Healthy Minds podcast teaches us ways to activate empathy in children. Empathy is an essential component for all of us to build strong relationships. Join Bethany Koszelak, FCPS’ Mental Health and Wellness Specialist to hear about action strategies on how to model empathy and open caring dialogues with children, or anyone, during these challenging times.