PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Anxiety, self-esteem and social interaction are all things that have rapidly changed for children during the pandemic.
There is a class being held virtually through Bay Care Behavioral Health that’s helping families address these issues.
“With the pandemic, we really wanted to create a group that was specific to right now,” said Alecia Ortiz.
Every Thursday at noon, Ortiz and fellow health facilitator Sandra Soares conduct the free class, Stronger Together: Empowering Our Children.
Each week, everyone from parents to grandparents, to teachers to baby sitters, log on to discuss a different topic.
“We are getting feedback and involvement from people on all sides of children and that helps create a diverse dialogue,” said Ortiz.
The instructors come prepared with various tips on navigating families through this unprecedented time.
“Being able to talk about some of those struggles that we have, some of those fears, even if it's just venting, just being there,” said Ortiz.
Kristina Daugherty attends class every week. She has three young grandchildren preparing to go back to school.
“I’ve used these techniques with the kids and they are absolutely wonderful techniques,” said Daugherty.
For more information on how to join the class or Bay Care’s other programs, go to www.baycare.org\behavioralhealth or call 727-315-8644.
