COVID-19 Resources for Families

Written by Carryn Lund; Resources compiled by everyone at Grove.

COVID-19 has dramatically changed day-to-day life for all of us.

We recognize that there are challenges unique to every life and living situation, whether you are sheltering-at-home alone, with roommates, or with family.

Today, we share some resources for those of you at home with a family including children.

There is a unique challenge for juggling multiple roles all at the same time - home is now home...and office(s)...and school...and daycare!

Here are a few favorite resources and some heartfelt encouragement from all of us at Grove.

First of all, you're doing a great job. Truly. Managing so many things at once means that things are going to ebb and flow constantly, and however things looked today is okay. The best thing you can do is to cheer yourself on and try to accept where you are at. If you want to read a validating article, check out Parenting Triple-Duty. 

Are you wondering about screen-time, which has - understandably - exploded for us all? It is okay that kids are having more (even a lot more) screen time right now. It may not even be causing too much harm. We can just try to balance it with screen-free time.

Want some ways to talk to your children about COVID-19?
You may have already seen this viral video, but here is a narrative about having hope that a great crisis can also bring great healing. We are proud of our UM colleagues for their part in Georgie and the Giant Germ as well, a coloring book that helps explain coronavirus to kids. The Invisible String is a beautiful book about staying connected while apart. And recently-released TV episodes and shows also tackle some timely issues. Check out: Elmo's Playdate on Sesame Street; the Odd Squad on PBS Kids, and the new series Helpsters Help You.

Adolescence is a time of independence and a focus on peer relationships. They may be hit especially hard by physical distance, and may be grieving missing some important moments in their high school lives.  Here are some ways to think about fostering independence in your teen and to help spark a conversation about the bigger picture.

Speaking of grieving - if you and your children are grieving the loss of a loved one while sheltering-at-home, here are some resources about the unique experience of grief during the pandemic.

For now, we will end where we started - give yourself grace and kindness. We are all doing the best we can in this moment, and we accept that “best” looks very different from one circumstance to the next.