Resources for Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-Being
- Sesame Street – Belly Breathing
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Category: Resources
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Parents’ and Caregivers’ Guide to Coping with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Crisis
These are hard times. During this coronavirus outbreak many parents are feeling stressed or worried about lots of things, from staying healthy, keeping the family well, paying bills, caring for children who are homebound, keeping kids on task with school assignments, and the list goes on. These kinds of worries can feel overwhelming and cause strong emotions, so if you are feeling that way know that you are not alone. We will get through all of this and can make it a little easier by taking good care of ourselves.
Nurturing Wellness Exercises
During this stressful, rapidly changing time, it may feel like many things are out of our control. In moments like this, it is helpful to take a step back, and consider the parts of our lives where we can make choices, and can take positive action. We can feel more peaceful (and less worried!) when we recognize how we play an active role in helping ourselves, our families, and our communities.
Focus on the little things
Inch by inch things are a cinch, yard by yard, things are hard. What are the “inch by inch” (little) things you can focus on, so you don’t get lost in the big things that might feel too overwhelming? Some ideas for “small actions” are listed below that might help you feel more calm inside.
Nurturing and “Refueling” ourselves
Caring for ourselves helps us to be ready and able to care for and nurture our children and those we love. Here are some suggestions that might help during this difficult time:
- Reassure: Remind yourself that your feelings are ok and understandable, and of the positive things you can do for yourself to get through this hard time.
- Routines: Keep a regular daily schedule with time for your daily “must dos,” and exercise and rest.
- Regulate: To manage stress, actively engage in strategies that will help you calm. For example, practice deep breathing; take a walk; draw your feelings; listen to a favorite song; reach out to a friend; close your eyes and imagine sunshine filling you with warmth.
Find your sense of purpose. Look for opportunities to “do good” – for example leaving groceries on doorsteps of neighbors who can’t get out, or calling or video-chatting with someone who cannot have visitors at present. Thank people in your community who are working to help others or who have helped you or put a note in a neighbor’s door. Finding ways to “do something” helps move “from worry to wellness” by feeling more purposeful and helpful. This can help strengthen you, and our sense of community action and connectedness.
Find your center in the midst of the storm
Find a way to connect with the center of your deepest self to re-awaken your sense of J.O.Y.:
J: Just taking a moment.
When things feel overwhelming, take a moment to be still. Take the time to notice your feelings, pause and reflect. Even just three slow deep breaths can bring a moment of calm into your day.
O: Observe the lights.
Find the “light” in the midst of the “shadows.” What are the small things for which you are grateful? The taste of your morning coffee, the warm shower you had, the phone call you received from a friend… Remember how you felt when you experienced someone’s care and kindness.
Y: You can be the light.
Remind yourself that you can be a source of light and kindness for others in the world. At a time when so much is out of our control, you can focus on the moments when you have made a difference—for your child, family or community. Reminding yourself of the ways you have helped others and spread kindness can help you feel more connected, and more peaceful.
These are unprecedented times. But these times also create tremendous opportunities for us to practice our values- to care for others, connect with those we love, to find community and purpose wherever we can. This reminds us all of how connected we are to one another—and ultimately, we get through this together.
Stay emotionally connected!
Experts are recommending that we keep space between people – at least 6 feet. This is called social distancing and is an important way to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. However, keeping physical space between people does not mean emotional distancing! In fact, staying connected to friends and family will reduce your stress. Call a loved one or check in with your neighbor while maintaining at least 6-feet of space between you and them. It can be calming to simply think about the people you care about and draw on the strength of those connections. So stay back, but keep your heart close.
Understanding the facts about COVID-19 and being prepared can make an outbreak less stressful.
Resources
Resources for parents to and caregivers to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic:
General Resources for Parents and Caregivers
Mental Health Resources
Additional COVID-19 information and resources:
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions to daily life and is putting stress on families as they try to adjust. During this time, the Zero to Thrive team is committed to helping families through this crisis. If you’d like to read more about the mental health resources provided for families, perinatal women, and providers, please visit our COVID-19 page:
In response to this pandemic, many organizations have stepped up to help provide families with assistance during this time of need. If you live in Southeast Michigan, the following list of resources may be beneficial to you and your family.
Washtenaw County
- The Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development has put together a comprehensive list of food and essential services resources.
- The United Way of Washtenaw County’s list of COVID-19 Community Resources includes information on food, medical, utilities, internet services, childcare, unemployment, and eviction services.
- The Peace Neighborhood Center is responding to the COVID-19 national emergency by focusing on mitigating the effects this will have on families in three major areas: food insecurity, academic support, and emergency assistance. For more information, please visit peaceneighborhoodcenter.org.
- Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County stands ready to serve the community. Please call their information and assistance telephone line at 734-769-0209 or send an email to info@jfsannarbor.org if you need help.
- Click here to view Food Gatherer’s up to date list of pantry locations.
- Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS), working with Chartwells Food Service, is pleased to provide “to go” meals available for pick-up. Click here for a list of locations and times. (Click here for school meal information for other school districts.)
- Catholic Social Services is proud to partner with Food Gatherers to distribute groceries and personal care items to low-income families and individuals on a monthly and/or emergency basis. Clients are also given referrals to other agencies for clothing and other critical services as needed. Click here for location and hours.
- Jewish Family Services is offering food pantry services by delivery. Please call 734-769-0209 to schedule a delivery or schedule a delivery online. Visit jfsannarbor.org for more information.
- The Maize and Blue Cupboard provides food, household products, and support for the U-M community. For more information, click here.
- The Peace Neighborhood Center provides fresh produce and bread distribution. For an update on operating hours and locations, please visit peaceneighborhoodcenter.org.
- Hope Clinic will be distributing hot meals to go in the evenings on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays. They will have emergency groceries available during operating hours. Click here for more information.
- The Peace Neighborhood Center helps families impacted by lost wages and offers emergency assistance. For more information, visit peaceneighborhoodcenter.org.
- The United Way of Washtenaw County offers personal financial tips for responding to the crisis and a financial coaching program.
- The Ann Arbor District Library is providing online applications for library cards to all AAPS students. With your library card, you can access audio and digital books from home. Click here for more information.
- The Peace Neighborhood Center is offering academic assistance to families in need. Click here for more information.
- Thrive Counseling is offering tele-mental health counseling. Call 734-436-4249 or email hello@thrivecounselingA2.com to set up an appointment.
- Individuals in need of health insurance can contact Washtenaw Health Plan by phone to receive assistance applying for Medicaid and follow up to make sure they get the coverage they need: for English: 734-544-6778, for Spanish: 734-544-2949, for Arabic: 734-544-9729. To learn more, go to healthcarecounts.org.
- The following health clinics are open: Hope Clinic (734-484-2989), Corner Health Center (734-484-3600), and Packard Health. Call 734-926-4900 for Ann Arbor West, 734-971-1073 for Ann Arbor East, or 734-985-7200 for Ypsilanti.
Detroit
COVID 313
COVID 313 is a guide for Detroit families in response to the COVID-19 crisis, brought to you by the City of Detroit, the Community Education Commission and partners. It includes resources for food assistance, basic needs, learning at home, childcare, healthcare, employment, and more.
A Detroit Virtual Community Town Hall:
Coping During the Coronavirus Crisis
Every Thursday from 12:00-2:00pm, there will be a virtual town hall to present the latest news and developments from leading policymakers and experts who are dealing day to day with the crisis. To sign up for notifications of future town halls and receive additional information, please visit COVID313.org.
Watch the most recent virtual town hall below: