Pasadena Education Network Draws Attention to Children’s Mental Health Amid the Pandemic

The Pasadena Education Network (PEN) is hosting an online forum for parents this weekend to discuss mental and emotional challenges students are facing as the COVID-19 pandemic stretches into its 11th month.

Pasadena Unified School District Wellness Counselor Amy Quiroz will lead the talk, according to PEN.

“Whether or not your student is having technology issues, or your family is experiencing direct economic or health impacts from the pandemic, children everywhere are struggling with the effects of being isolated from their peers,” the organization said in a written statement.

During the conference, scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday via Zoom, “We’ll review the range of responses elementary-age children are having to being in quarantine and to distance learning, and share tips and strategies parents can use to help their children stay mentally healthy,” the statement said. “We’ll go over a list of signs and behaviors that may indicate it’s time to get your child additional help or support, and how to go about getting that support.”

PEN Executive Director Nancy Rose Dufford said PEN has learned the challenges faced by students go beyond the adjustment to distance learning.

“As we’ve been talking with parents, what we’ve realized is that it’s not just the academics that are being challenging for kids, but emotionally and mentally, just being at home, being isolated from their friends, from their social outlets, it’s been very difficult for families,” she said.

“This is the way that this is what we’re feeling parents need right now,” Dufford said. “We’re a very small organization, so we adapt very quickly to the needs of parents.”

The adjustments have been hard on parents of students, as well, she said.

“What we’re finding is that, especially with elementary school students, parents really need to be very involved with the day-to-day schoolwork. It’s really hard for young kids to sit on a computer all day and just work off a computer screen,” Dufford said.

“So parents are having to really put their own needs aside so they can support their children and help them get through their school day. And it’s really a great pressure on parents who are coming after work. And for parents who may not have resources or education to be able to really help their students, those students are really having difficulties, too,” she added.

“We really see our role as, how do we help children be more successful in school by helping their parents be more informed and involved?” Dufford said.

 “What we’re trying to do is bring families together so that they know they’re not the only ones who are feeling this way. Their children are not the only children who are struggling,” she said. “This is really affecting everybody right now, and we want to do our part to help families get through this so that next year can be a much better year for everyone.”

Those interested in participating in the forum were asked to pre-register at penfamilies.org/calendar/2021/2/13/pen-program-helping-our-children-cope-amp-knowing-when-and-how-to-get-help.

More information about the Pasadena Education Network can be found on the organization’s website at penfamilies.org.