When I first had to shut down my office and start seeing clients online, I was horrified, thinking that there was no way counselling that was meaningful or effective could be done online. As it turns out, I was VERY wrong. The online platform has surprised me. I have been able to connect with clients as well, if not better, than if I were face-to-face. As I have to focus intently, I am able to attune and be more present for my client. A screen, versus in person, does not hinder my ability to “feel” my client. Additionally, my clients oftentimes feel more comfortable as they are in their own environment in which I am their “guest” rather than them being a “guest” in my office.

Yes, of course, technology comes with its headaches. Someone’s screen will freeze or there may be a poor connection, making communication more difficult. Well, we can sign off and restart the platform. It’s not the end of the world. There are a multitude of creative ways to get connected if connectivity is poor, so a solution is always available.

Working with children online has also proven to be surprisingly good. At times I will work with a parent/child dyad in a play session. We may not have the vast assortment of toys that are available in my playroom, but children get to show me their toys and their world. Again, I get a sense that the children too are more relaxed in session because of the familiarity of their own environment. And let’s not forget that children and teens are very comfortable with technology. Can I read their non-verbal cues? Of course I can. Can we co-regulate to encourage self-regulation? No problem. Do I see forward movement toward growth in the children using online counselling? Beyond a doubt and parents report the positive changes they are noticing too.

I am grateful that COVID-19 has provided me with an opportunity to experience online counselling as I never would have offered this otherwise. I would have missed an opportunity of being able to meet my clients’ needs in a different fashion, one that may actually be more comfortable and satisfying to them. Even horrific events like pandemics can provide us with blessings.

 

Here is a long list of resources for children and families.

TALKING WITH CHILDREN

 The National Association of School Psychologists

Guide for parents addressing talking to children and creating structure and predictability for daily life at home, available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Amharic, Korean, French, and Vietnamese

https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-%28coronavirus%29-a-parent-resource

World Health Organization

Helping children cope with stress during the 2019-nCov outbreak

https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/helping-children-cope-with-stress-print.pdf?sfvrsn=f3a063ff_2

Child Mind Institute

Talking with Kids About the Coronavirus

https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=READ%20MORE&utm_campaign=Weekly-03-16-20

Child Mind Institute

Supporting Kids During the Covid-19 Crisis

https://childmind.org/article/supporting-kids-during-the-covid-19-crisis/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=%20Parents%20Guide%20to%20Problem%20Behavior&utm_campaign=Weekly-03-16-20

Child Mind Institute

How to Avoid Passing Anxiety on to Your Kids

https://childmind.org/article/how-to-avoid-passing-anxiety-on-to-your-kids/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=%20Parents%20Guide%20to%20Problem%20Behavior&utm_campaign=Weekly-03-16-20

Child Mind Institute

How Can We Help Kids with Transitions?

https://childmind.org/article/how-can-we-help-kids-with-transitions/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=How%20Anxiety%20Leads%20to%20Disruptive%20Behavior&utm_campaign=Weekly-03-16-20

Child Mind Institute

When Siblings Won’t Stop Fighting

https://childmind.org/article/when-siblings-wont-stop-fighting/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Are%20Time%20Outs%20Harmful%20to%20Children%3F&utm_campaign=Weekly-03-16-20

The American Academy of Child Psychiatry

14 Tips for Talking to Children

https://www.aacap.org/App_Themes/AACAP/Docs/latest_news/2020/Coronavirus_COVID19__Children.pdf\

Children’s National

Answers Adults Can Offer to Answer Common Questions Children May Ask

https://riseandshine.childrensnational.org/covid-19-faqs-for-kids/

SAMSA

Guidance for talking with children of different ages in helpful ways

https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Talking-With-Children-Tips-for-Caregivers-Parents-and-Teachers-During-Infectious-Disease-Outbreaks/PEP20-01-01-006

RESOURCES TO SHARE WITH CHILDREN

Social Story About Coronavirus

https://theautismeducator.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/The-Corona-Virus-Free-Printable-Updated-2-The-Autism-Educator-.pdf

NPR Comic Book to Calm Fears About Catching the Virus

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/28/809580453/just-for-kids-a-comic-exploring-the-new-coronavirus

Children’s Guide Appropriate for School-aged Children

https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-kids-guide.html

PBS Article

Information Language for Talking to Kids about Coronavirus

Links to Television episodes that address different aspects of health

https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirus?fbclid=IwAR2S4HdQIclBKD3IMtF5I8DeasdaadUjhNhqFM38WFMgmsrNncRW8aVCU68

Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development

Resources for young children and children with developmental disabilities

• How to talk to your child with ASD about frightening situations
• Flu picture story
• Visual supports:  Social Story about not sharing germs
• Visual supports:  Hand-washing steps

 Science Podcast for Kids

Explains Coronavirus for kids, available in English and Spanish

http://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/blog

 Free children’s book in Spanish

To help children and adults talk about Coronavirus (with useful parent guide)

https://www.copmadrid.org/web/publicaciones/rosa-contra-el-virus-cuento-para-explicar-a-los-ninos-y-ninas-el-coronavirus-y-otros-posibles-virus

ACTIVITIES FOR AT HOME LEARNING

Khan Academy

Offers school closure resources; wide range of learning activities

https://www.khanacademy.org/

 Prodigy

Math games

https://play.prodigygame.com/

 Mystery Doug

K-5 Science lessons

https://mysterydoug.com/

 Nitro Type

Online typing game

https://www.nitrotype.com/

 Typing Club

Online typing instruction

https://www.typingclub.com/

 History for Kids

Free history network for kids

https://www.historyforkids.net/

 Scholastic

Fun online learning for pre-k through grade six and beyond

https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html

Virtual field trips

https://www.discoveryeducation.com/community/virtual-field-trips/

Virtual tours of 12 museums

https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours

NASA Kids Club

Grade k- 12 activities

https://www.nasa.gov/kidsclub/index.html

Starfall Prek-3 literacy and math

For struggling/ reluctant readers

starfall.com

Kids National Geographic

Fun learning activities

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/

Into the Book

Fun reading strategies

https://reading.ecb.org/

Seussville

Reading/ games/ videos

https://www.seussville.com/

Highlights

Learning games and apps

https://www.highlightskids.com/

Story Online

http://storyonline.net/

 

RESOURCES FOR STRETCHED FAMILIES

211.Org

Resources for families

http://211.org/services/covid19

http://211.org/services/essential-needs

 INTERNET

Spectrum

Offering free internet access to homes with students

https://www.wvlt.tv/content/news/Spectrum-offering-free-internet-access-to-homes-with-students-568797021.html

Comcast

Free internet for kids who get reduced school lunches

https://internetessentials.com/

 ART ACTIVITIES & INSPIRATION

 Meri Cherry

Process art projects and activities for kids

https://mericherry.com/2015/09/28/50-process-art-activities-for-kids/

The Artful Parent

Spring activities for kids

https://artfulparent.com/30-spring-activities-for-kids/

Mo Willems (author of the popular “Elephant & Piggie” and “Pigeon” series)

Daily live doodle with kids

https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems/

 Arts and Culture

Museum tours and more

https://artsandculture.google.com/

https://chesapeakefamily.com/fun/fun-stuff-to-do/9901-virtual-field-trips-kids-can-explore-the-world-from-home

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours%3famp=true

McHarper Manor

Art classes on line

https://www.mcharpermanor.com/

Lani Rosen (local yoga instructor)

Free online yoga classes for children and families twice daily

https://www.crowdcast.io/e/yogawithfullofjoyoga/register

Yoga Online

Free yoga classes

https://theyogashop.us/

 BOARD & CARD GAMES

 Checkers

Candyland

Chutes & Ladders

Uno

War

Sorry

Chess

Zingo

Jenga

Monopoly

Cootie

BOOKS & STORYTELLING

Inclusive Storytime

Information about picture books with characters as well as authors and illustrations with diverse backgrounds

www.inclusivestorytime.com

For purchase

www.amazon.com/shop/inclusivestorytime

Stories from Space

Features videos and access to books

https://storytimefromspace.com

 Storyline Online

Children’s stories read by famous people

https://www.storylineonline.net/

Front Range Downloadable Library

Options to borrow books

https://frontrange.overdrive.com/library/kids/

Mindheart COVIBOOK

Printable activities in several languages

https://www.mindheart.co/descargables

Children’s Psychological Health Center

Guided activity workbooks

http://www.childrenspsychologicalhealthcenter.org/resources/guided-activity-workbooks/

People Get Ready Book Store

9:00 a.m. Daily live children’s books readings

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=219789176060650&id=108846517154917&notif_t=page_post_reaction&notif_id=1584106479078519&ref=m_notif

 COOKING ACTIVITIES & INSPIRATION

 Cooking with children

http://spatulatta.com/

Playdough Recipes

Original recipe https://livingwellmom.com/easy-homemade-playdough-recipe/

Gluten Free recipe https://livingwellmom.com/easy-gluten-free-playdough/

Slime Recipe

https://preschoolinspirations.com/make-slime/

COOL SITES, PODCASTS & APPS

PBS Kids

English and Spanish ages 4-7- games/ videos/ learning activities

pbskids.org

 Wow in the World Podcast

Journey into the wonders of the world

https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510321/wow-in-the-world

Meditation App

Guided meditations, stories, music & more

https://www.calm.com

Anti-Coloring Book info & app

https://youngatartllcdotcom.wordpress.com/my-apps/

5 scavenger hunts with free pintables

https://www.themanylittlejoys.com/preschool-scavenger-hunts/

8 sorting activities with things you likely have at home

https://busytoddler.com/2015/12/8-simple-sorting-activities/

Day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing

https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome/grades-prek-k.html

Foundational preschool skills

https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/tips-tablets-and-apps-early-childhood-classroom

Foundational preschool skills

http://www.agnitus.com/

MEDIA GUIDES

Expert reviews, objective advice & helpful tools

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/about-us/our-mission

Child Study Center Social Work Fellows

Website of activities related to nature that can be done at home either inside or outside

https://sites.google.com/view/mighty-oaks/

 

 

 

Click here to read an article by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

In a neighbourhood in Silver Spring, MD (wonderfully diverse in all ways), someone came up with an ingenious idea!  Neighbours were invited (via their list serve) to place teddy bears in their front windows so that families wanting to pry their housebound kids away from TV and video games could propose — not just “going for a walk,” (BOR-ing!) — but, instead, “going bear hunting.”  One neighbour even drew up a map of the neighbourhood with all the houses with bears marked on it, so families could search for them all.  Pooh Bears, pandas, teddies and koalas appeared in windows all over the ‘hood.  Young kids and parents were all energized and delighted, and all are getting good exercise!  They are also staying closely connected without any neighbour getting within six feet of any other neighbour!  (The same neighbourhood has organized a list of helpers, ready to run errands to help shut-in elders)
GAME PIGEON – text to one another
UNO and other games can be played with an account with ROBLEX
Math games:  https://www.coolmathgames.com/

KEEP CHECKING AS I WILL POST MORE AS I FIND THEM.

This is an article written by single dad Daniel Sherwin – http://www.dadsolo.com

Raising a child when you have a partner is difficult enough, but for a single parent, the experience can be overwhelming. Trying to maintain a job, take care of household duties and ensure your child is on a good path may seem like an epic feat, but by implementing organization and planning skills into your routine, you can live a more balanced and stress-free life. This is not to say that being a single parent doesn’t have its share of challenges, but you’ll be able to enjoy more quality moments with your child if you have a solid action plan.

Stay Organized

You’re the only one running the show, so it’s crucial that you’re organized.

● Facilitate to-do lists so you can prioritize tasks.
● Make an effort to fill out your digital calendar and set reminders for important tasks such as soccer practice or a doctor’s appointment, but also make a family calendar (such as a large desk version) where everyone can share schedules, activities, appointments, meetings, etc., in one place. Review at the beginning of the week so everyone is on the same page.
● Choose a central communication center within your home — one place where the planning calendar, mail, messages, etc. can always be found. Ensure that it’s a tidy area free from clutter.
● Clutter should actually be eliminated in all areas of the home as it only creates more stress.

Keep A Good Routine For Your Child

Routines are a critical part of a well-run household. Establishing bedtimes, mealtimes, homework sessions, and curfews will benefit your child from a mental health and structure standpoint, but it will also help you effectively plan your own schedule since your child’s routine should remain relatively consistent.

Set Limits

It can be difficult to set limits as a single parent because you may feel sorry for your child, but this will only have an adverse effect. Establish solid ground rules with your child and make sure that you’re always enforcing them. Should there be a caretaker involved, make sure he/she is aware of your expectations.

Simplify Tasks

Not having enough time to do everything is one of the biggest concerns of a single parent — but it’s about working smarter, not harder.

● Cook and freeze meals for the week.
● Take care of all errands (filling the car with gas, grocery shopping, dry cleaners, etc.) in one session so you have more free time during the week.
● Prioritize your activities and learn the power of “no” if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
● Set aside a specific block of time for busy work such as paying bills, returning calls, and scheduling appointments.

Banish Feelings Of Guilt

It’s natural to have some feelings of guilt and to question your abilities from time to time, but these emotions shouldn’t consume your thoughts.

● Identify why you’re feeling guilty so you can establish a plan of action, whether that means therapy, or making an apology.
● Realize that your feelings may be harming your child. Approach your feelings in a healthy way in order to establish a harmonious and happy home environment.
● Forgive yourself and others in order to move forward.
● Redirect feelings of guilt and sadness to feelings of happiness with your child.

Show Your Love

Research has shown that kids from a broken home are five times more likely to suffer from mental health issues than children whose parents stay together. Don’t get so caught up in the stress and minutiae of daily life that you forget to give your child unconditional love and support. Make an effort to spend time quality time together each day.

Find Time For Self-Care

It can be easy to put yourself last, but it’s crucial that you take care of yourself if you’re going to effectively take care of your family. Personal grooming, stress management, exercise, and free time with friends are all important in order to maintain a sense of personal balance in your life.

Find Support

Whether it’s friends, family, or neighbors, it’s okay to ask for help. If you’re hiring an outside caretaker, be sure to do your homework by asking other parents for recommendations. Alternatively, use a reliable service that reveals the credentials and background information of its service providers. Single parent groups are also great places for like-minded camarederie and an opportunity to vent and exchange tips.

At the end of the day, you’re not Superman or Superwoman, so be transparent with your children. It’s okay to admit that you’re having a bad day, but reassure them that things will be better. Just make sure you’re giving your child an age-appropriate level of responsibility so they don’t feel the weight of your single-parenting experience on their shoulders. As difficult as it may be at times, try to stay positive and have a sense of humor when dealing with daily challenges.

As spring break approaches, some of you probably have made plans to take a family holiday. The destination has been picked, airline tickets purchased and accommodations booked. As the departure date approaches, you begin to wonder how you will survive the flight with your 3 children. You and your partner know that travel interrupts kids’ routines: eating, playing and sleeping. This makes them prone to melt downs and acting up. …And as if this wasn’t enough, the flight leaves at 7am meaning that you have to get up at some ridiculous hour to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before the flight! What were you thinking?!?

Here are a few tips to remember as you prepare for the trip.

1. Pack lots of snacks, both healthy and unhealthy, that your kids love. Remember to pack some gum for take off and landing.
2. Bring some fun activities for the plane. Sticker books and colouring books are a good choice. Travel games are good too. For an added bonus, bring activities that the kids have never seen before. The newness of activities will earn you a few extra minutes of calm.
3. Download age appropriate games and apps on iPads and iPhones. You can also download your child’s favourite movie or TV show.
4. If you are taking an early morning flight, have your kids sleep in their clothes the night before. This allows your kids to sleep as long as possible before having to get up plus they think that it is such a novelty that they get to sleep in their clothes. It’s also on less thing that you have to worry about in the morning.
5. Remember to relax. It’s hard to travel with children and you will not be alone. There will other parents on the flight so you can be support to each other.
6. If you are travelling with teens or pre-teens, ask them if they would like to sit on their own rather than sit with you. They will appreciate the independence.