There is no question that the COVID-19 pandemic has required more from us than any other event in the last several years. Being in quarantine—with uncertain economic fallout and without the close support of family and friends—requires strength, flexibility, and agility as we try to maintain our feet on this “Coronacoaster.” It also requires creativity, humor, and dedication to build our way into a new normal.
At Parenting Now!, we are seeing our families do exactly that, amidst great stress. Infants and toddlers are being loved and cared for, school-aged children are being home-schooled and our parents are doing a wonderful job. Likewise, the talented staff at Parenting Now! are reaching into the depths of their expertise to support families in building resilience; our donors and foundations are supporting us financially so we can continue to do so in creative new ways.
My deepest gratitude goes out to each of you, keeping your families safe and well, figuring out the next steps to take. We may not be able to be physically near, but knowing that each of you give your best to your families and to us gives us all great hope for the future. Thank you.
Warmly,
Lynne Mender (formerly Swartz)
Executive Director
|
|
In response to COVID-19 and shelter-in-place orders, Parenting Now! has revved up its efforts to provide families with virtual and remote support options for receiving parenting education at home. We are continuously exploring ways we can provide families with the support they need during these challenging times and are happy to announce that the following options are available for Lane County parents:
|
|
One-2-One
Support
Email, phone, and text support for Lane County parents. Talk with Parenting Educators virtually from the comfort of home. Receive free support and education on your schedule.
Email enroll@parentingnow.org to get started.
|
|
Healthy Families Virtual
Home Visits
Pregnant or newly parenting? As you integrate this baby into your family’s busy life, a Family Support Specialist can be there for you with weekly virtual visits.
Call us at 541-556-5355 to learn more about Healthy Families.
|
|
Parenting The First
Three Years Online
F3Y Online uses the latest research on child development and positive parenting strategies to give you the tools you need to support your child. Access this free program
here
and use the password "Gift"
|
|
Live Discussions with Parenting Educators
Join Parenting Educators (and special guests) for live, virtual discussions on parenting topics, including routines, temperament, and power struggles.
Contact vps@parentingnow.org to register.
|
|
Virtual Circle Time
Guided songs, books, and other fun activities for you and your 1, 2, or 3-year old —led by an experienced Parenting Educator. New Circle Time Videos uploaded to Facebook and YouTube every other Friday.
Contact vps@parentingnow.org to receive email notifications.
|
|
Baby Connection
Every Wednesday, from 11 am to 12 pm, parents can talk virtually with Lactation Specialist Debbie Jensen to get nutrition and feeding support, as well as chat with other parents who have babies under 1.
Contact enroll@parentingnow.org to register.
|
|
RESOURCE GUIDE 2020 UPDATE
|
|
Staff and volunteers have been hard at work updating the listings in Parenting Now!'s 2020 Resources for Families poster/booklet, and website. Made possible by the financial support of the Eugene Active 20-30 Club, Resources for Families contains everything from "Basic Needs" to "Pregnancy and Childbirth/Postnatal Support" to "Substance Abuse & Recovery."
|
|
|
RESOURCES FOR PARENTING THROUGH COVID-19
|
|
COVID-19 has affected families in a number of ways. Whether it's emotionally, financially, or physically, the stress of parenting through this pandemic has presented its own unique set of challenges. To help families during these stressful times, we've compiled a list of
Resources for Parenting Through COVID-19
. Here, you'll find links to financial assistance programs, fun, at-home activities to do with your children, virtual learning opportunities for children, expert tips for talking to your children about COVID-19, and more!
|
|
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT!
|
|
 |
VIRTUAL BABY CONNECTION
EVERY WEDNESDAY, 11 AM TO 12 PM
Talk virtually with Lactation Specialist Debbie Jensen to get nutrition and feeding support, as well as chat with other parents who have babies under 1.
Contact enroll@parentingnow.org to register.
|
|
|
|
VIRTUAL CIRCLE TIME
EVERY OTHER FRIDAY
Fun activities for you and your 1, 2, or 3-year old —led by an experienced Parenting Educator. New Circle Time Videos uploaded to Facebook and YouTube every other Friday.
Contact vps@parentingnow.org to receive email notifications.
|
|
|
|
|
LIVE DISCUSSION:
POWER STRUGGLES
JUNE 15, 10 AM TO 10:30 AM
Join our Parenting Educators for a live, virtual discussion on "Power Struggles in a Pandemic," with a Q&A to follow.
Contact vps@parentingnow.org to register.
|
|
|
|
LIVE DISCUSSION:
SELF-CARE
JUNE 29, 10 AM TO 10:30 AM
Join our Parenting Educators for a live, virtual discussion on the importance of self-care when you are a parent, with a Q&A to follow. Contact vps@parentingnow.org to register.
|
|
|
|
|
Communicating With Your Child During Times of Stress
As many parents’ balance working from home, helping their children with distance learning, and trying to meet everyone’s basic needs, communication skills can sometimes suffer under the weight of managing it all.
It’s important—especially during times of stress—to give special attention to how we communicate with our children.
READ MORE
|
|
|
|
Building Resilience In Ourselves
and Our Children
How can we manage our own fears, and support our children’s emotions during a time of crisis?
The first step is to acknowledge that our response to fear is a choice—and it can be a chance for us parents to build resilience in ourselves, as well as in our children. Here are some ideas for managing stress and fear as we weather this pandemic together.
READ MORE
|
|
|
|
|
Parents Need Support More
Than Ever
For 40 years, Parenting Now! has used an in-person group model to help bring families with similar-aged children together to share their experiences, make connections with other parents and to build that support network that all parents so desperately need. But, today and for the foreseeable future, we need to do things differently—and we are.
|
|
|
|
Simple Play Ideas From The Experts
Toddlers are in a word “busy.” They have busy minds and busy bodies. Keeping them engaged and entertained all day—especially when preschools, libraries, and your other go-to places are closed—can be exhausting for parents and caregivers. By now, you probably feel like you’ve exhausted all the resources in your toolbox for keeping your little one happy as we weather life in quarantine. So we’ve asked our Parenting Educators to provide their favorite activities to do with littles in the home.
READ MORE
|
|
|
|
UPDATE FROM THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM
|
|
As we embark into June, we are so grateful for your ongoing support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thank you for ensuring that our local families have the critical support that they need during these challenging times.
Our virtual Mother’s Day 5K Run/Walk was a smashing success! This year, we ran together in spirit with a virtual run/walk. During the month of May, we promoted a healthy physical activity for families to do together, while keeping our community in compliance with flattening the curve. We wish every mom a very special springtime and Mother’s Day season! ❤ You deserve it!
Our annual Family Matters community event will be virtual this year. Bringing our work to life, we will explore how investing in young families through parenting education can make tremendous impacts for our community’s shared future. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!
By rising up and supporting us, you have helped raise critical support for our programs, which rewrite families’ stories by giving them the skills, networks, and supports they need to thrive. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Kathryn and Sona
|
|
|
|
Thank You for Your Support!
Whether you refer parents to us, have joined our
Sustainer Fund
, shop for us on
Amazon Smile
, have designated us as an
eScrip beneficiary
, or are one of our steadfast donors, we thank you for your belief in us and our vision to create a world where all children are raised by nurturing, supportive parents.
|
|
https://parentingnow.org/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
