Announcer youre watching coping with covid19. Hi, im chris manus and a you are watching coping with covid19. Today joining us is Susan Girardeau of the california Pacific Medical center. And mow to cope with emotional stress of a major daf. Shes here today to talk to us about how to help Young Children cope with this ongoing pandemic. Dr. Girardeau, welcome to the show. Thank you very much. Lets start by talking about some of the issues that 5 to 11yearolds might be facing. What are some difficultties they might be experiencing during this pandemic . The biggest difficulties that all children experience is fear and anxiety and its displayed in a variety of different ways. The kids have a fear of a Family Member getting sick or themselves getting sick. They have a fear of separation. Obviously with our quarantine, all of us at home, children still have a fear of separation in own home, which means from room to room, that they cannot be home alone without a parent. It is very difficult and even at night to sleep in their own bed can be a problem and an issue that is under the umbrella of anxiety. The other parts that play into it is the anxiety of when will this end . As we know currently, we dont know and that is the most difficult. And all kids, their peers, are an important part of their development. So it is often asking when can i go to school . At this point, they are very tired of online school. When can i take my friends and when can i see extended family . Right. What kind of indicators are there that a young child is struggling right now . Particularly behaviors that are really across the age spectrum of 5 to adolescence is sleep disturbances and increase in nightmares and in the younger kids, night terrors. Woe see across the age speck trup, fear of the dark. The other behaviors that we are seeing is the regression in their normal developmenttal tasks. For the younger child and as i referenced sleeping in their own room. Other types of behaviors that parents or caregivers might see are meltdowns over relatively minor issues. Often were seeing a decrease attention and focus, especially with online school. Were also seeing headaches, stomach aches that we typically see when there is stress and trauma. I see. Lets say weve realize add child is having difficulties. Are there specific ways we can talk to them to get them to open up, perhaps phrases or ways to ask questions that will encourage them to share their concerns . There are a number of ways. Number one, the biggest thing that parents can do is to really listen to their child. Often times were rushed. We are working parents, plus as well as now teachers online as well as playmates. So, to pause and really listen to what their fears are. As parents, we often dont get down to a younger childs physical level, look at them and listen to them and talk to them directly. I often use the technique of nailing a feeling and kids often times theyre not going to, especially in times of stress, come up with this feeling that they can name. So, i recommend to parents always of naming three feelings. Happy, sad and mad. And youve been through those three. Not frustration. But just nailing it to those three. Another technique that i highly recommend is to use the third person. In a way such as i have heard other kids say that theyre scared and they dont know why theyre scared. Do you think that happens with you sometimes . This is a way that kids feel much safer in talking about their feelings because they dont feel like theyre on the spot, but other kids are feeling that same way. I understand. Do you think that there is secondary concerns for kids as concerns are gradually lifted . I know one small child frightened to go outside right now. Yes. And were seeing that already right now. Because with as one as restrictions are lifted and were able to go outside, you know, people are Wearing Masks and that can be very frightening. Even if halloween. Many kids wont wear a mask. Children under 2 do not wear masks. Under 7, they dont have to. But over the age of 7, it is highly recommended by the c. D. C. That kids wear masks. That is going to be difficult. So, what ive recommended is for kids to make their own masks. They can make their own designs on the paper surgical masks. And so it is there. They cant put [inaudible] on it, whatever makes it feel a lot safer for them. Other things that i have heard are kids are afraid to go outside. I heard this from a number of families because they havent really been able to do so so theyre afraid they will get sick. I recommend that families start very small steps and the first step is take a ride in the car. That is the first way to go outside, windows down. And if you have a sunroof, open the sunroof and unbuckle the seat belts or car seat and be able to stand up and that is a small step to feel like the outside might be safe. So, it has to be in small steps for the fear it is going to be exacerbated. Absolutely. So, could you tell me a little bit about your book, disaster shock . Yes, disaster shock has been originally written for the 1989 earthquake in San Francisco. This has been a number of disasters since then and families in 1989 gave us the feedback that it was extremely helpful because there was really no literature available on how to help children and families that havent talked to them. Unfortunately our natural disasters increased with tornadoes and the last wildfires affecting northern california. It has been updated again for the pandemic. Right. And finally, what would you say to parents about how to talk to their kids in general . Could you suggest some good ways to reassure them . A few ways that i have been suggesting is, number one, you have to be honest. About what you know. And be able to explain in developmentally appropriate terms what is happening. And that we are all learning. We dont know. There are many things we dont know. But that parents need reassure the kids that they are safe, that the family will be together. But they need to be able to get the kids a little leeway, so to speak. And im not saying not disciplined, but what your discipline techniques may have been before may need to lighten up a little bit because these are very unusual circumstances for adults, but as well as for kids. But i always suggest and recommend that parents be honest with the kids because that is the trust that children have in their parents. Parents must be really aware their kids will hear, they will read their body language and understand the anxiety we all feel, but the parents need to be honest that they the kids will be safe. I understand. Well, thanks for coming on the show, dr. Girardeau. I appreciate the time youve given us today. Thanks again. Youre welcome. And that is it for this episode. Well be back with more pandemicrelated information shortly. Thank for watching. This lodge is home to some of the best fly casting pools in the world. These shallow concrete pools dont have fish. This is just a place where people come to practice their fly casting technique. Ith was built in the 1930s and ever since, people have been coming here to get back to nature. Every year, the World Championship of fly casting is held in San Francisco and visitors from all over the globe travel to be here. We are here with phil, general manage of San Francisco rec and Parks Department at the anglers lodge. What do you think about this . It is spectacular, travis from oregon, taught me a snake roll and a space cast. There are people from all over the world come to San Francisco and say this is the place to be. Yeah. Its amazing, we have teams from all over the world here today and they are thrilled. I flew from ireland to be here. And been practicing since for the competition. All the best casters in the world come here. My fellow countryman came in first place and james is on the current team and he is the head man. Its unique. Will not see anything like it where you go to compete in the world. Competitions in ireland, scotland, norway, japan, russia each year, the facilities here in the park are second to none. There is no complex in the world that can touch it. Im here with bob, and he has kindly agreed to tell me everything i need to know about casting. Im going to suit up and next, were in the water. What any gentleman should do. Golden gate angling has free lessons the second saturday of every month. We have equipment show up on the 9 30 on the second saturday of every month and well teach them to fly cast. Ok. We are in the water. Let me acquaint you with the fly rod. Nice to meet you. This is the lower grip and the upper grip. This is a reel and a fly line. We are going to use the flex of this rod to fling away. Exactly as you moved your hands. Thats it . Thats it. Im a natural. Push both arms forward and snap the lower hand into your tummy. Push forward. I did gave it a try and had great time but i might need some more practice. I met someone else with real fly casting skills. Her name is donna and she is an International Fly casting champion. I have competed in the casting ponds in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. I have been to japan and norway for fly casting competition. I spend my weekends here at the club and at the casting pond. Its a great place to learn and have fun. On a season day like this, it was the perfect spot to be. I find fly casting very relaxing and also at the same time very challenging sport. Takes me out into the nature. Almost like drawing art in the air. And then i can make these beautiful loops out there. Even though people from across the globe come here to compete, its still a place where locals in the know relax and enjoy some rely unique scenery. Until next time, get out and play . This is a meeting of the bothered of appeals. Ann lazarus will be the chair, joined by rick swig, darryl honda. At the control of the boards Legal Process clerk, we will also be joined by representatives of the city departments who have cases before the board this evening. The board requests that you turn off or silence all phones or other Electronic Devices so they will not disturb the meetings. Parties are given seven minutes to present their case and three minutes for rebuttals. Members of the public who are not affiliated with the parties have up to three minutes each to address the board and no rebuttal. For jurisdiction and rehearing requests, the parties shaf three minutes to present their case with no rebuttal. Four votes are required to grant an appeal or modify a permit. If you have questions about requesting a rehearing, please email board staff. This is broadcast on sfgov tv on channel 26. The video is also available on our website. Now we will swear in or affirm all those who intend to testify. Please note that any member of the public may speak without taking an oath. If you intend to testify at any of tonights