COVID19 Resources

No matter how prepared you are, an outbreak can be stressful. Follow these recommendations to promote your family's well-being during COVID-19:

• STAY CONNECTED Keep up to date on the status of the outbreak and further recommendations by following credible public health sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Michigan Department of Health & Human Services.

• Limit your family's exposure to news surrounding the outbreak and beware of news sources that promote fear and panic.

• Utilize available resources to stay connected with your community; phone calls, texts, emails, video calls, social media, and written letters are all great ways to stay in touch.

• Don' t forget to engage with your own household! Check in with your children often to make sure they are coping with the sudden lifestyle change, emphasize that you're excited to have extra time to spend with them, and look at this as an opportunity to bond together!

• MAINTAIN PROPER HYGIENE Find creative ways to encourage proper hygiene with your children; choose a fun song to sing while washing hands or set up a chart to track & reward consistent hygiene.

• Take this opportunity to teach your children new household chores; provide praise while reinforcing a sense of accomplishment and importance of a clean environment.

• STICK TO A SCHEDULE when you can- this is temporary, and it's essential to maintain consistent exercise, meals, and bedtimes. Set an example for your children by following the routine yourself. Take advantage of the many distance learning opportunities offered by your school or other educational institutions.

Source: The National Child Traumatic Stress Network