The world may be getting ready to reopen again, but are our kids ready for in-person school after a year of virtual learning? We speak with therapist Dr. Maritza Mikolich about anxiety issues our children might be facing when going back to post-pandemic life. We talk about behavioral signs to look for and how to listen and validate their feelings. She also offers tips on how to help them get back to normal in-person socialization in a safe & healthy way!
Before the episode, we’re talking about Eddie going back to school! He’s so excited to see his friends and it feels like he grew up overnight (or during quarantine 🤣) because he’s getting ready for school on his own and even packing his school snacks, including the new plant-based Sabra Kids Snack Kits. We dared Eddie, Krista and Sabina to try the snacks and all they talked about was how good they were! The girls love the yummy Brownie Batter flavor and Eddie can’t get enough of the Taco dip, especially the delicious tortilla chips. We’re daring YOU to dare your kids to try these snacks - we know they’ll love it!
More about Dr. Maritza Mikolich: Maritza is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a doctoral degree in psychology. “I come from a traditional Mexican family, raised in the United States and spoke Spanish as my first language. My parents were born and raised in Michoacan, Mexico and moved to the U.S. for the American dream of giving their family better opportunities. It was that dream that highly motivated me to follow my passion by going to college and studying psychology when I discovered it in high school. I was the first college graduate in my extended family to get a college education. I obtained my bachelors degree at the University of San Diego, my masters degree at Saint Thomas University in Florida and my doctorate degree at Alliant International University in San Diego. During my studies, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Guadalajara, Mexico and Madrid, Spain.
“I have therapy experience working in different settings including: youth and parents in foster care, teenagers in group homes, children in schools who struggled with behavioral issues, individuals struggling with co-parenting issues, and crisis intervention with all age groups. During the pandemic, in October 2020, I decided to start my private practice in hopes of giving back to the Hispanic community. I provide psychotherapy primarily to adults in English and Spanish virtually through telephone and video throughout the state of California. I provide individual, family and couples therapy virtually to people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, life stressors, and relational problems.”
For more information on how to contact Dr. Mikolich, check out her site DrMikolich.com and scroll below for more links!
Tips & Resources for Parents from Dr. Mikolich
Parenting During Covid
Self-care
Manage your own emotions
Manage your home environment
Be more aware of your child’s mental health
Practice healthy communication skills
Manage school stress
Suggested Reading
Children's Books for Anxiety: "Ruby Finds a Worry" by Tom Percival
Positive Discipline by Jane Nelson (several option depending on child's age)
9 Ways to Cope With Anxiety as a Family During the COVID-19 Pandemic via Parents.com
Parenting in the time of COVID-19 via World Health Organization
Parenting in a Pandemic: Tips to Keep the Calm at Home via HealthyChildren.org
NEW RESOURCE PACK: POSITIVE PARENTING IN COVID-19 ISOLATION via end-violence.org
Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19 via NASPonline.org
Resources
National Parent Helpline 855-4APARENT
Parents Helping Parents: 800-882-1250
San Diego Crisis & Access Line: 888-724-7240
Youth Talkline: 877-450-5463
Resources in San Diego: 211
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI): 760-722-3754
Depression Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA): 800-826-3632
Codependency Anonymous: 888-444-2359
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
Pick or Tip of the Week
Bricia’s pick is the covid vaccine. She and Paulina are lucky enough to have received their first rounds of the shot and they are very thankful they’re on the road back to normal life. Bricia suggest doing the research, finding reliable sources and talking to your doctor about any questions you might have. If it’s your turn and you can get the vaccine, get it! You can find more information at myturn.ca.gov.
Paulina’s pick is Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty. Her therapist suggested it as a tool for Krista to use to that help ease school stress and use during study time. It’s kind of like slime and it’s relaxing.
LINKS
Learn more about Dr. Mikolich and her practice at drmikolich.com. Call or email for a free consultation at therapy@drmikolich.com. She is also available for virtual appointments via video or phone.
Try the new Sabra Kids Snack Kits now! Click here to find a grocer near you.
