Edward B. Shallow Library: Caring for Yourself & Your Family During Covid-19

Have a conversation about COVID-19...

Help your family cope with the stress of COVID-19 by having honest conversations:

• Keep up-to-date on the virus through credible information sources.  For example, the CDC here.
• Stay connected to news from your community and your child's school
• Limit your (and your child's) exposure to media that might cause fear or panic
• Encourage questions, sharing of emotions, and humor

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Click here for tips from UNICEF on how to speak to your child about COVID-19.

Foster Resilience...

Build your Connections

• Connect to others and put high priority on building relationships through social media.  You are not alone.
• Join a group with others who are experiencing a similar situation (for example, fellow parents of tweens).

Foster Resilience...

Practice Wellness

Take care of your physical health by eating right, exercise, and getting enough sleep.

Resources for the Whole Family

Click here for a page of resources (including videos, free e-books and educational websites) for you to use with your family.

Special thanks to:

Dr. Barbara Stripling for always sharing the product of her tireless work. I am deeply grateful.

J'aime L. Pfeiffer for inviting me into the conversation. 

Recognize the Signs of Stress

You and your family members are in a stressful situation with social isolation and home schooling.  You can recognize the signs of stress that have been identified by the American Psychological Association:

• Irritability and anger
• Changes in behavior
• Trouble Sleeping
• Neglecting responsibilities
• Eating changes

Foster Resilience...

Find Purpose

• Decide what you want your children to learn and experience during this time.  Seek help to make sure you have the resources and activities that will bring those experiences alive.
• Encourage your child to ask "I wonder" questions.  Look for opportunities to help them engage in learning about topics that they wonder about and talk about the new ideas that they discover.

Foster Resilience...

Embrace Healthy Thoughts

• Realize that this situation will end.  Keep the challenges you are facing in perspective.
• Accept the fact that home schooling does not mean that you must do "school" as a teacher might in the classroom.
• Maintain a positive outlook.  Look for opportunities to try new things and learn with your children.

Foster Resilience...

Seek Help

• Ask for help when you need to.  Your child's librarian, teachers, and entire school community are focused on helping you and your child succeed.