from Prevention Specialist Sherry Thompson
While health and physical safety are important, it is also important to be aware of how your children are feeling and thinking about the crisis.
Here are some ways that you can support your children during the Coronavirus Crisis:
- Be creative; use household items for art projects, make your own family song, go on a nature walk, do yoga or make up silly exercises.
- Try to keep a daily routine. Children need routine and making a family schedule together will help them feel included. In the daily schedule try to include education time, rest time, exercise, chores and family fun.
- Keep things positive but keep them informed. Be mindful of what information that you do share.
- Limit screen time.
- *Most of all be consistent and don’t forget to take of yourself so that you can take care of others.
Resources if you or your family need extra support:
- Child Crisis: 415-970-3800
- Safe & Sound 24 Hour Parent Talk Line: 415-441-5437
- 24/7 Crisis Text Line: Text MYLIFE to 741741
- Trevor Project Hotline: 866-488-7386
- Huckleberry House 24 Hour Teen Crisis Hotline: 415-621-2929
- Mental Health, Food Pantry, and Medical Resources http://www.freeprintshop.org/
For more ideas, read: THE NATIONAL CHILD TRAUMATIC STRESS NETWORK