To help families with young children adjust to the current situation brought on by the public health emergency, DC Child Care Connections developed a system to provide useful information and resources to help with at-home learning, maintaining mental health and other important early childhood topics.
We have worked with community partners to identify a series of daily resources and activities from nationally-recognized organizations that families can use to keep children engaged and to continue the learning process. All resources are developmentally appropriate for the ages specified and are aligned to the DC Early Learning Standards.
Parenting Peacefully During the Pandemic
Since the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, American families have been experiencing new challenges and facing new stress points regularly. Many families are working from home while children participate in school virtually – often in the same space with few opportunities to be apart. Parents and guardians are trying to work from home, run the household and keep children on track with their schoolwork; all while restricted to the home, often cut off from the support of friends and loved ones. The strain can be unrelenting at times.
In the “The Pandemic Parenting Guide,” Dr. Richa Bahia recognizes that many parents are struggling to navigate these new challenges and establish new norms for the household. The guide reminds us that feelings of being overwhelmed are understandable. It offers several strategies and tips to promote emotional and physical wellness at home.
The article, “Parenting in a Pandemic,” from HealthyChildren.org and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), offers tips for families to keep calm at home during these uncertain times. Recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, here are a few tips that may help promote the emotional well-being of children at home.
Tips to Keep Children Calm at Home
- Address Children’s Fears: Comfort your children and tell them that you are there for them. Remind them you all will make it through these tough times. Answer questions simply and honestly. Recognize your child’s feelings. Offer extra hugs.
- Keep Healthy Routines: During uncertain times such as COVID-19, it is critical to keep daily routines to provide consistency and order for young children. Structure the day.
- Use Positive Reinforcement: Young children may not have the words to describe their feelings, which may cause them to act out their anxiety, stress or fears. Help children manage their emotions and behaviors by redirecting unacceptable behavior and ignoring unacceptable behaviors that do not endanger the well-being of the child.
Resource Highlights
ReadyRosie Modeled Moments COVID-19 Videos support young children’s social–emotional development and health and safety in the midst of COVID-19.
Knee Bouncers has a host of engaging educational games for toddlers.
Help My Kid Learn has activities and resources that families with children ages birth to 12 can enjoy together.
Summer Ends, Fall Begins
As the summer ends and a new fall season begins, this is a great time to explore the changing environment. Take a nature walk to collect fallen leaves, observe the migration of birds and watch the earlier sunsets. Afford children an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of nature and people by engaging in activities and books celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.
Let’s Read Together!
Read with your child throughout the day, each day during the week.
- Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market” by Raul the Third
- “Round Is a Tortilla” by Roseanne Greenfield Thong and John Parra
- “The Three Billy Goats Buenos” by Susan Middleton Elya and Miguel Ordonez
- “What Makes Us Unique?” by Jillian Roberts and Cindy Revell
- “What’s That?” by Keith Harvey
Week of Sept. 14, 2020
- Music and Movement Monday: Learn and move with shape hopscotch.
- Tasty Tuesday: Create a race car snack.
- Wellness Wednesday: Create feelings plates.
- Textured Thursday: Create easy Nazca lines crafts in honor of Hispanic heritage month.
- Family Fun Friday: Play laundry basketball.
Week of Sept. 21, 2020
- Music and Movement Monday: Play ABC puddle jumping.
- Tasty Tuesday: Make peanut butter and jelly sushi rolls.
- Wellness Wednesday: Try to blow the feather.
- Textured Thursday: Try texture sequencing sticks.
- Family Fun Friday: Play balloon tennis.
Family Make the Difference
Parent and Caregiver Support Groups
The DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) is hosting virtual parent and caregiver support groups every Wednesday during the month of September. Upcoming workshop topics include,
- Sept. 16: Protective Factor: Resilience Part II
- Sept. 23: Protective Factor: Relationships Part I
- Sept. 30: Protective Factor: Relationships Part II
All sessions begin at 5:30 p.m. and can be accessed online at bit.ly/31JpYiv or by phone.
- Toll-free number: (650) 479-3208
- Local: (202) 860-2110
- Access Code: 172 761 9215
Product Recall Alerts
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the following recalls. Recalls can be viewed at www.cpsc.gov.
- Aflac Doctor Duck lead poisoning (buttons)hazard
- DaVinci Bassinets fall and entrapment hazards.
- Amanda Apothecary Essential Oils risk of child poisoning
We are here to help! If you need support in navigating these resources or help planning experiences for your children, please contact one of our team members today. Please contact us at DC Child Care Connections (202) 829-2500.