The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our lives in profound and unprecedented ways. We’re all experiencing heightened anxiety about our health and safety, along with the negative emotional impacts of physical distancing.
Most if not all of us are worried about people we love—whether it’s a relative, friend, or our community as a whole.
In the face of something as sudden and far-reaching as this pandemic, we can feel powerless. Although we want to support each other, we often don’t know where to start. But even the smallest acts of care can help others and contribute to renewing our sense of strength as individuals and communities. If you’re looking for a way to take action, we’ve compiled the tips and resources below to help you get started.
Your safety and well being is our #1 priority. Guided by our internationally respected infection prevention experts and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we have put together helpful information and advice to help you understand COVID 19 and stay healthy and aware.
Supporting friends and family
One of the best things you can do for your friends and family is simply to
reach out
. Call, text, and email the people you love, and invite them to talk openly about the fears and day-to-day challenges they’re experiencing. Make a special effort to connect with anyone in your community who may be particularly vulnerable, perhaps because they live alone, they’re at higher risk from this disease, or they struggle with a mental health challenge. Talking about hardship can be uncomfortable, but just acknowledging that someone is struggling
truly does help
.
You can also support your loved ones in setting healthy boundaries around their exposure to the news. Let friends and family know that while you want them to be informed, you also understand that 24/7 coverage of the pandemic can take a mental toll, and you’re always happy to talk about something else.
If you notice that someone is overwhelmed with conflicting or speculative information, you can suggest a reliable news source such as the World Health Organization or recommend focusing on local news sources to stay informed of events and opportunities in their immediate community.
Resources for supporting friends and family
:
(click on links below)
·
COVID-19 Mythbusters
(World Health Organization): Facts and explanations aimed at countering common misconceptions about the coronavirus.
Supporting parents of school-aged kids
With schools closed and many adults either out of work or working from home, this is an especially chaotic time for families, and in particular for parents.
While you may not be able to help out in person, you can offer to occupy kids with a phone or video call while their parents take care of other responsibilities.
Finally, remember to express support for the full range of choices parents might make about what’s best for their kids right now. Some parents will
opt out of homeschooling
,
relax screen time restrictions
, or make other adjustments to expectations and routines; you can help just by letting them know you respect those decisions.
Resources for supporting parents of school-aged kids:
·
TEDEd Lessons
(TEDEd): Rich collection of video lessons for elementary through high school students. Good summer reads and more.
·
Help Your Child Learn and Grow
(PBS Kids for Parents): Tips and activities for teaching literacy, math, science, art, and life skills to younger kids (ages two to eight).
Supporting kids
Just as this situation is challenging for parents, it’s scary and confusing for kids. If you’re a parent or caregiver, you may be looking for ways to support younger children who are upset by school closures or missed time with friends, or who are anxious about what the pandemic means for their families. Summer activities might not be the same.
Simple steps can go a long way toward helping kids feel safe. Limit their exposure to the news, and be thoughtful about when and how you discuss the situation and your own feelings. Give them extra hugs and affection, and tell them you love them.
If you aren’t sure what a child needs, start by
asking questions and listening
. Find out what they already know about the virus and its impact, and correct misinformation with age-appropriate facts. Assure them that the adults in their lives are working hard to keep everyone healthy. Finally, help them feel in control by
explaining the concrete steps they can take
to protect themselves and others, such as washing their hands, covering coughs, and practicing physical distancing.
Video and phone calls can also be great resources for kids who are feeling lonely. Arrange virtual play dates with friends and family members, and equip younger kids with
conversation starters
and mental games (like Twenty Questions) to make these interactions as fun and natural as possible.
Resources for supporting kids:
·
Parenting in the Time of COVID-19
(World Health Organization): These six one-page tips for parents cover planning one-on-one time, staying positive, creating a daily routine, avoiding bad behavior, managing stress, and talking about COVID-19.
·
How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus
(PBS Kids for Parents): Advice on reassuring anxious kids, arming them with accurate, age-appropriate information, and empowering them to protect themselves and your community.
·
Ways to Donate
(Blessings in a Backpack): This organization provides weekend meals for kids who receive free school lunches.
We hope these resources help you and your loved ones as we navigate together during these newly challenging times.
If you are not feeling well or have questions contact your health care provider. We are open
and here to serve you.