Support for Kids and Families During the COVID-19 Outbreak
As our fight against the Coronavirus continues, I wanted to reach out to our families and offer my support. Since Governor Baker ordered a State of Emergency on March 10, 2020, our lives and our community have been turned upside down. We have all experienced unexpected changes within our work, schools, daily routines, communities of faith, and community life. Day by day, we are adjusting to the tremendous changes in the way we live, and although we are all working together to help and protect ourselves and others, these sudden changes and the uncertainty of what the future will bring can cause many to experience various levels of anxiety. During this quarantine, it is important for us to take care of ourselves and to pay attention to our needs.
Our children, too, may have many questions about how their world has changed. The following is a list of resources gathered from various sites to help parents answer their children’s questions in their own language and comprehension level. There are resources for anxiety, behavioral health issues, mindfulness exercises, indoor physical exercise, and education. Please use as you see fit. I hope they will be helpful to you and your families. If you would like further assistance with anxiety or other behavioral health issues, please schedule a telehealth appointment with me through the main number.
- Michelle Faux, LMHC
Guides to Talking with Children about COVID-19:
Resources to Explain COVID-19 to Children:
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/coronavirus-landing-page.html?ref=search
Talking with kids about COVID-19:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/talking-with-children.html
How to talk to your children about coronavirus
https://cdn.wisetail.com/sites/ppoc/documents/pJ0WmjBkQPOFxWuhJi3M_coronavirus%20parenting%20tips.pdf
Coronavirus Explanation Comic: https://660919d3-b85b-43c3-a3ad-3de6a9d37099.filesusr.com/ugd/64c685_319c5acf38d34604b537ac9fae37fc80.pdf
Autism Speaks Resource:
https://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/flu_teaching_story_final%20%281%29.pdf
Support specific to Parents of Children with ASD: https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/sites/afirm.fpg.unc.edu/files/covid-resources/Supporting%20Individuals%20with%20Autism%20through%20Uncertian%20Times%20Full%20Packet.pdf
Self-Care Resources:
Taking Care of Your Mental Health Article:
https://afsp.org/taking-care-of-your-mental-health-in-the-face-of-uncertainty/
Guided Meditation and Relaxation Skills:
https://www.virusanxiety.com/
CDC Tips for reducing stress: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
What Therapists Tell Their Patients:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/therapists-advice-patients-coronavirus-anxiety_l_5e6fb44ac5b6125e095b4134
Calm and Headspace Apps (currently at no cost):
https://www.calm.com/blog/take-a-deep-breath
Free community mindfulness/grounding activities daily:
https://www.chacmc.org/connect
For Kids:
Progressive Muscle Relaxation Video for children: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDKyRpW-Yuc&feature=youtu.be
Guided Meditation for Sleep:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP6nDTynXDw
Work Book: Thrive at Home Tool
*This work book is intended to be a supplement to weekly Tele-play sessions and was created with the intention to be a tool to facilitate emotional regulation, open discussion, and healthy relationships in the home. Please seek an appointment with our behavioral health clinician for assistance/guidance as needed.
Exercise Ideas for Children and Families:
Cosmic Kids Yoga Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga
20 Online 20-min Exercises for Kids:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY8yixtVGMs&feature=emb_title
GoNoodle Get Moving:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2YBT7HYqCbbvzu3kKZ3wnw
Freeze Dance Song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UcZWXvgMZE&feature=youtu.be
The Learning Station Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Hdb26_xnPQsntwLazMqYw
Education:
Educational Companies w/ Free Subscriptions: https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/135609/list-of-education-companies-offering-free-subscriptions/
LearnFromHome daily activities for pre-k – 9th grade: https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html
Imagination Nation Station:
https://www.exyo.org/news/imagine-nation-station-week-1/
Lunch Doodles:
https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems/
ABCmouse.com, ages 2-8:
https://www.abcmouse.com/
Autism Helper Education Kit:
https://theautismhelper.com/emergency-home-school-kit/
Crisis Support:
Crisis Text Line/Emotional Support Line:
ttps://www.crisistextline.org/
Text “HOME” to 741741
Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration:
https://www.samhsa.gov/
Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Advocates Psychiatric Services:
https://www.advocates.org/services/psychiatric-emergency-services
Call 1-800-640-5432
