We know that most of the world’s workforce is quite unexpectedly working from home during this coronavirus pandemic. For those who typically work from home one or two days a week, it’s no big deal. For those new to working from home, this can be a challenging time. It can be especially tricky when everyone – kids, spouse/partner, pets, etc. – is at home at the same time. It often becomes difficult to separate work time from family time. It can feel as though all semblance of balance has disappeared. These are challenging times indeed. In addition to having to get work done, many of us have taken on more roles— teacher, chef, entertainer—  to name a few. So, we are providing resources that might help. Keep in mind that not every idea will work for you and your family. As with everything else, use what will work for you and disregard what won’t.

 

Why Parents Need a Little Self-Compassion
From Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley – The demands of raising kids can keep parents running around, making it hard for them to imagine spending even a few minutes focusing on their own needs. If they do take time for themselves, parents often feel guilty. Learning to treat yourself with the same kindness and consideration that you would offer a good friend is important for parents. So many things can and do go wrong as we raise children, and we need to find ways to nurture ourselves so that we are well-equipped to handle all the demands. Here are three practices to bring a little mindfulness and calm to your busy day.

Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Children with Dr. Richard Davidson
3-minute discussion on teaching mindfulness to young children to help with calming on YouTube

Ideas for Kids During the Coronavirus Crisis
Compiled by Carol Simon Levin – Fun and educational ideas for kids (and their parents) to keep away boredom. Great resources.

Tips and Resources for Parents Working from Home
From WFAA (news station in Dallas, Tex.) – The novel coronavirus has forced many schools to close and have many people working from home. This means parents are playing the role of employee and teacher. How do you make the most out of working from home, while also playing the role of teacher and parent? Includes strategies for parents along with a list of great apps and websites that can help expand your kid’s knowledge while at home.

Watch this video of Nurse Rona talking to parents at Google Headquarters
From Is That Me Yelling? By Rona Renner, RN

When you start to feel guilty or ashamed because you have yelled at your kids, think of something you can say to yourself to reframe your negative thoughts. Instead of thinking, I’ve damaged my kids for life, try replacing that thought with I’m doing the best I can, and I’ll keep learning more, or It’s never too late to change. Take time to notice your feelings and thoughts, and then find the words to substitute that are right for you. If you repeat negative thoughts about yourself, you are likely to feel bad and diminish your motivation to change.

Has COVID-19 Caused Home Life to be Harder?
From Advocate Aurora Health – It is normal to be frustrated as a parent at times, even without the increased demands on our parenting skills due to the pandemic and  stay-at-home orders. This pandemic can lead to increased anxiety and stress for both children and their caregivers, which in turn increases risk for interpersonal violence, including domestic violence and both physical and emotional child abuse. In this article, Dr. Siffermann shares nine positive parenting tips that can help navigate this pandemic and save yourself and family from a melt-down or worse.

Positive Tips and Tools for Parents and Caregivers
From Positive Promotions.com – We know it’s a challenge for parents and caregivers to have their school-age children home every day during school closures. So Positive Promotions is offering printable activity books free of charge, plus a variety of other free tips, activities and tools for parents/caregivers.

Tips for Working from Home with Kids
From Total Wellness Health.com – Practically overnight, parents became teachers, too. Throw in working from home in addition to household duties, and it’s enough to make even the most balanced people topple. It’s not easy, but it’s likely temporary. It’s not ideal, but it’s reality right now. This article (towards the bottom) lists a few ways to make the transition easier for parents and children.

How to Help Teens Shelter in Place
From Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley – Parents everywhere are struggling to get their teenagers and college students to “shelter-in-place.” Teens are not made for isolation, which makes COVID-19 especially hard on them—and it makes them difficult to control. Here’s how to help your teenager to see the bigger picture.

How to Master Working from Home—While Under Quarantine with Kids
From Parents.com – The spread of the coronavirus is forcing working parents into telecommute situations across the country. If you’re struggling to stay productive while working from home, these tips from full-time work-from-home moms may help.

Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin – Madison
Kindness Curriculum
Mindfulness-based Kindness Curriculum is a free tool for educators and parents to use to promote prosocial qualities in young children.