Greetings, Union Township Community.  These articles give parents specific suggestions for how to talk to their children and calm their fears during this uncertain time. Children will be comforted by parents helping them focus on what they can do (washing their hands, covering their coughs) rather than concentrating on factors which are out of their control, often leading to feelings of helplessness.  Parents are given helpful hints for maintaining normalcy in the daily routine and making themselves available—with a listening ear, a calm and supportive demeanor, and with words of love and displays of affection. Age appropriate explanations of COVID-19 are described in easy to understand language. The link for NYC Department of Education includes some great printable resources for helping your child. 

Gratitude Journal Prompts

10 Coping Strategies for Stress

10 Coping Strategies for Stress: Week 2

Activities for Families During COVID19 Pandemic

Time to Come in, Bear: A Children's Story about Social Distancing

Cyber Safety Tips

Tips for Staying Organized During Distance Learning

Printable Resources to Help Your Child (NYC SCHOOLS)

Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks 

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

National Association of School Psychologists: Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource

Just for Kids: A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus

What to Say to Help Kids Feel Calm When the World Feels Fragile:

New York Times: Talking to Teens and Tweens about Coronavirus