BEND, OR -- School districts continue to deal with the lingering effects of pandemic-era closures, like emotional and behavioral issues.

Jennifer Hauth and Megan Knoster, with Bend-La Pine Schools, say the upcoming winter break can lead to more “dis-regulation” when kids again lose the structure of school, but there are things parents and students can do to mitigate problems.

“Monitoring screen-time, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, exercising, and remembering that it’s healthy to acknowledge and express our feelings and reach out for help if needed,” says Hauth, “Some of our students, over the next two weeks, will miss the structure of school and will miss seeing friends, and so it’s just important for us to make sure we’re connecting with them and talking with them.” 

“It’s also just pausing and acknowledging that it’s ok for things to not be perfect, and to be struggling, and to also recognize that there are resources and supports available within the community,” says Knoster. “Students and families who are struggling to meet the needs of the family, while also dealing with a holiday season where there might be additional expenses. This time of the year, we also see a lot of re-experiencing of grief if people have lost a loved one. So, we’re seeing a lot of students struggling with accepting and acknowledging that there’s going to be a holiday season without a loved one.”

Families can access “Care Solace,” through Bend-La Pine Schools, if they need help connecting with a professional.