In this episode of Contagious Conversations, Anna King and Elizabeth Rorick of the National PTA discuss the impact of COVID-19 on schools, children and parents—especially when it comes to mental health—and their advice for nurturing healthy minds.

Anna King has over 20 years of leadership experience at all levels of PTA and is a dedicated and passionate child advocate. Elizabeth Rorick has been with the National PTA for more than 12 years, representing PTA before Congress on a vast array of children's education K-12 issues, including special education, early childhood and children's behavioral health.

For full episode transcription, visit Contagious Conversations.

Key Takeaways:

[1:50] Anna talks about the role of the National PTA.

[2:30] How has COVID-19 affected Anna's role as National PTA President?

[3:40] Beth talks about her role at the National PTA.

[4:38] Beth speaks about the importance of mental health during this pandemic for parents and children.

[5:59] Anna shares how COVID-19 is affecting education.

[7:14] Anna gives advice to parents who are worried about their child's health and safety in schools during this pandemic.

[8:38] Beth provides background on the National PTA's focus on healthy minds during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[10:44] A discussion of how COVID is taking a toll on children but on parents as well.

[10:52] Three suggestions for parents to prioritize their own mental health.

[12:02] What can we do to reduce the stigma associated with mental health?

[13:08] Anna talks about how COVID-19 is affecting classrooms this academic year.

[15:52] The partnership between parents, teachers and administrators is more important now than it has ever been before.

[17:12] Elizabeth shares findings from listening sessions that presented parent perspectives and priorities for their children and education.

[22:00] How can we recognize the signs of a parent or a child who is struggling emotionally? What can we do to help them?

[24:31] How has the role of the NPTA evolved during the pandemic?

[28:40] How has the role of educators changed during COVID-19?

[32:01] Is there an opportunity for a larger focus on mental health for teachers, parents and students?

[32:51] Anna and Beth share advice for parents.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• CDC Foundation
• National PTA Healthy Minds Toolkit
• National PTA Podcast: Notes from the Backpack