Resources

Mental Health

COVID-19 Resources

An outbreak can affect the entire family, and special attention to the needs and stressors of children during this confusing and uncertain time is crucial. Below is a set of expert-recommended resources with practical strategies for parents and other caregivers who are communicating with children about the coronavirus and preparing for family disruptions and challenges. These include specific tips for caregivers on recognizing and validating young people’s underlying concerns about safety and daily life, acknowledging our own anxieties and self-care needs, and discussing information in calm and age-appropriate ways.

Resources for Young Children

Caring for Each Other 

https://www.sesamestreet.org/caring (PBS.org)

In response to the unprecedented uncertainty facing young children and families, Sesame Workshop's Caring for Each Other initiative marks the beginning of a commitment to support families throughout the COVID-19 health crisis with a broad variety of free resources.

Projects + Activities

DIY Coping Skills Box -

This DIY coping skills box is a fun and simple way to help children learn and implement coping skills into their routine. This can help reduce temper tantrums, lessen anxiety and sadness, and boost self-esteem. It can also pave the way for self-care techniques they can take with them into adulthood.

Make Your Own Stress Balls –

These super cool squishy balls are perfect for fidgeting, anxiety and probably every child we know. They stretch, squeeze are so much fun. It only takes a few simple supplies and you’ll have your own DIY stress balls.

FREE Mindfulness Apps

Kids of all ages can reap the benefits of meditation and mindfulness using technology. Meditating even only a few minutes a day has proven to reduce stress, boost immunity, aid memory and concentration, decrease depression and anxiety, and even make you more compassionate. These tools will guide kids through the process and help them relax and ground themselves.

Click here for a list of meditation + mindfulness apps for all ages from Toddlers to Teens.

(Source : Common Sense Media)

HERE Meditation App // FREE for iOS and Android –

The HERE mobile app is designed to help rapidly relieve stress & anxiety. It works by pairing interactive exercises (staring/swiping), with breathing, music and/or guided meditation to stimulate the relaxation response and promote executive functioning. This game-like approach can be used by the whole family, and may help calm cabin fever, or provide a mental break in between homeschool activities.

Communication + Resources for Parents + Caregivers 

• Coping: https://childmind.org/article/anxiety-and-coping-with-coronavirus/   (ChildMind.Org)

• Mindfulness: https://childmind.org/article/how-mindfulness-can-help-during-covid-19/ (ChildMind.Org)

• Communication: https://childmind.org/article/how-to-ask-what-kids-are-feeling-during-stressful-times/ (ChildMind.Org)

• Communication // All Ages: https://www.cstsonline.org/assets/media/documents/CSTS_FS_Finding_Right_Words_Talk_Children_Teens_Coronavirus.pdf  (Center for Study of Traumatic Stress)

• Communicate with Age Appropriate Messaging + Video Links for Younger Kiddos: https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirus (PBS.org)

• Special Needs: https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2020/05/masks-and-new-routines-helping-children-with-special-needs-during-covid-19

• NEW Back to School:  https://youthfirstinc.org/returning-to-school-top-10-tips-for-mental-health-success/ (Youth First Inc)

• Back to “Normal": https://youthfirstinc.org/going-back-to-normal/ (Youth First Inc)

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