General Strategies
Keep consistent routines and schedules
Watch for behavior changes in your child (for example, irritability, eating habits, sleep, negative statements, etc.).
Limit exposure to news coverage, including social media.
Practice good self-care so you can remain calm and can model to your children how to remain calm during stressful times. Take breaks, connect with family & friends, exercise, get plenty of sleep, and eat well.
Resources
Activity: Coping Tools
Article: Tips for Calming Anxious Kids
General Strategies
Make sure your child is eating healthy food and getting plenty of sleep and exercise, especially outdoor time.
Keep a consistent, reasonable bed time each day, even for your teens. Have your child turn off their screens at least an hour before bedtime.
Set screen time limits and monitor your child's use of social media.
Have a family meal time at least once a day. Don't allow screens at the table during this time but share about your days & interests.
Watch for behavior changes in your child (for example, irritability, eating habits, sleep, negative statements, etc.).
Resources
Activity: Feelings Battery
Activity: Pleasant Events Calendar
For life threatening emergencies or if your child or someone you know is in danger of harming themselves or others, please call 911.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
If you are experiencing domestic violence or abuse, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224
Illinois Call4Calm Text Line
If you or a loved one are struggling with stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic and need emotional support, text TALK to 552020 for English or HABLAR for Spanish. This service is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People seeking assistance will remain anonymous and will provide only their first name and zip code, which enables the service to link you to a counselor in your area who is knowledgeable about available local resources.
Illinois Warm Line
If you or one of you family members has mental health and/or substance use challenges and would like to receive support by phone, call the Illinois Warm Line at 866-359-7953. Wellness Support Specialists are professionals who have experienced mental health and/or substance use recovery in their own lives. They are trained in recovery support, mentoring, and advocacy and are ready to listen and support you. The Warm Line is not a crisis hotline, but is a source of support as you recover or help a family member to recover. Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm except holidays
Illinois Crisis Text Line
The Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, 24-hours a day. Text HELLO to: 741741. Trained crisis counselors will respond and help you.