If you would like to donate to Rainbows to support children and teens experiencing traumatic loss: https://rainbows.org/giving/donate

Zoom Call Logistics:

Rainbows will be providing mindfulness activities, meditation, and ways to help cope with and reduce stress and anxiety as a special bi-weekly program from now through May 2nd.

Every Tuesday and Saturday at 10AM CST, anyone can join a FREE 20-30 minute virtual video meeting using this link: https://zoom.us/j/5851468146. The call is limited to the first 100 participants, but all calls will be recorded and will be posted here as well as on Rainbows social media platforms.

Please feel free to share this program with anyone you feel might benefit. It is not just for those who have experienced loss.

Zoom call recordings:

**NOTE: all videos have the same short introduction in the beginning talking about Rainbows for All Children (who we are, what we do), how to get involved, etc.**

Access all Zoom call recordings and additional information here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S2ubwZmbsGzbj_-YylSZDC5enIO_ftCo/view?usp=sharing

3/17/20: LUCK/GRATITUDE

(for middle school age and older)

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1QOqyECnTy61wdbTzuAqhfFFVU8ZpkKmf (28 min.)

**the sound on the meditation at the end–last 7 minutes–was not great and my computer froze which cut off the last minute. My apologies! If you would like to listen to the meditation again, the link is here: https://insighttimer.com/sarahblondin***

3/21/20: STRESS/ANXIETY RELIEF

(for middle school age and older)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19Y-29PbB_-MY1nHI3vUgVu4zUawl631X/view?usp=sharing (33 min.)

3/24/20: EMPATHY

(for high school age and older)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LAOXjwxHVaPOkfPDK9fL2DRsG2fDGWbZ/view?usp=sharing (35 min.)

3/28/20: FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE

(all ages)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AVJc68eeQdCi3XL5jiKUuitg5REgfWJ6/view?usp=sharing (24 min.)

Discussion with a slideshow sharing a variety of “good news” stories amidst the pandemic, a video of shelter puppies visiting the Georgia aquarium, “Gratitude-But” exercise, and a gratitude meditation.

3/31/20: EXERCISE

(middle school and older; exercise routine for young children and up)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cl7kMwEXYOjbC7NrJbjXvMCI1J8oCmT2/view?usp=sharing (27 min.)

4/4/20: CHECKING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

(high school age and older)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LLk1RA9abJFkXPvd2SwibSKJCd_jEr53/view?usp=sharing (28 min.)

Special guest presenter, Ashlyn Scott (Rainbows intern). Lecture-style talk with a mental health pain checklist, shares some of her own self-care practices, other resources for support like the suicide prevention hotline, and good reminders to check on friends and others.

4/7/20: STAYING CALM EVEN WHEN ANXIOUS

(high school age and older)

***NOTE: Brene Brown does use three curse words! Parent discretion advised!***

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12ykiPaYCFu2REMk86ssZF-Erld0NEvg2/view?usp=sharing (36 min.)

4/11/20: NEW BEGINNINGS

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S2apviNRRnSeW3hasBBSLYls1lyokJOD/view (45 min.)

Video of Lake Michigan and calming water sounds and visuals, discussion of “literal grief” vs. “grief of experiences” (like from a pandemic), how to find new experiences when the normal routine is disrupted, focus on positive/finding the good, cast of “Dear Evan Hansen” singing “You Will Be Found,” Rainbows’ Executive Director, Stephanie Garrity, reading the children’s book “Grandpa Bunny” about the loss of a grandfather, “Rainbow Children” poem from Durham, and a meditation called “Rainbow Practice.”

4/14/20: STRESS RELIEF FOR KIDS

(elementary and middle school students)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sH9BpzUyW2u9yV-7B52f3K8jIa9QDYjt/view?usp=sharing (35 min.)

Short discussion about ways to relieve stress, Macho Man exercise routine for kids, activity making “Calm Down” jars, and a “Bumble Bee” breathing exercise.

4/18/20: RELAXING MEDICINE CHANT MEDITATION

(all ages, esp. older children/teens/adults)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vp7Ls0rpNNo6pBIWotUzFwwPShBqY1Z1/view?usp=sharing (27 min.)

4/21/20: HO’OPONOPONO (HAWAIIAN PRACTICE OF FORGIVENESS)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sIdPZu9UfHO8fnh9NbcPuS5EeSdCAxiL/view (26 min.)

Short introduction about how forgiveness is related to stress-relief, activity showing how to do a burning bowl (releasing things you want to let go of or want to forgive), and an activity showing how letting go of bad feelings can help us see more clearly and feel better, and ending with the Serenity Prayer.

4/25/20: RAINBOW CRAFTS FOR STRESS RELIEF, RELAXATION AND FUN 

(all ages: esp. PreK to 6th graders)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xKn2rh3Yx-m-9Xu1PcvPK3S_iLbGXD3y/view?usp=sharing (41 min.)

Demonstration of three different craft activities that provide stress-relief and relaxation. One for elementary ages (rainbow rice), one for middle school ages (rainbow collage), and one for high schoolers (crayon art), using items you can likely find around your house. A YouTube video of the upbeat children’s story “Rainbows in Windows” read by Donald Sutherland, and the song “Rainbow Connection” sung by Kermit the Frog.

4/28/20: VISION BOARD AND VIRTUAL VACATIONS

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sj6z-1mE675eQ0fbj2_XVj9c0-myf-6l/view (41 min.)

5/2/20: IKEBANA (Japanese art of flower arranging) USING FORAGED WILD FLOWERS

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qju_A5CxG31xmabn-V7uscgNIDz0RSN_/view (28 min.)

How to make beautiful flower arrangements using items you forage for in the “wild” (which can be your backyard, your neighborhood, a forest preserve, the beach, etc.)–a very relaxing, creative, fun project that anyone can do.

Zoom call 3/17/20 Resources:

Scientific evidence for the Law of Attraction: what we focus on tends to manifest.  https://www.huffpost.com/entry/is-there-scientific-evide_b_175189

Mindfulness activities for St. Patrick’s Day: 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/89860955048972122/

Shamrock/four-leaf clover and “I am Lucky” Chart activities: https://www.whatihavelearnedteaching.com/st-patricks-day-i-am-lucky-craftivity/

Sarah Blondin, Live Awake meditations: https://insighttimer.com/sarahblondin

Zoom call 3/21/20 Resources  

4-7-8 Breath Exercise for Stress/Anxiety

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmBYdfv5RSk

Gabby Bernstein’s tips, meditations and practices for anxiety relief 

https://gabbybernstein.com/coronavirus-anxiety/

Big Fears, Little Fears activity can be found in here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nEQGb4UtuzIjCkym-1gcwyBMmYw73SxG/view?usp=sharing

Zoom call 3/24/20 Resources

Boosting children’s emotional intelligence through journaling: https://happyyouhappyfamily.com/journals-for-kids/?fbclid=IwAR3sr4FND_-xUkIcfAu1QffqfL7WotfHb92iPJju2vVW29ZhoGIrb1knEnk

Fun Ways to Teach Children Empathy:

https://www.merakilane.com/empathy-activities-for-kids/?fbclid=IwAR0Dr31Nk7JlN_qM7kLJBFatSzNKjuLO2Dt6_VB93oivl8ZoLac7nvTcqFY

Relaxation Rock meditation:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bf0tLzPEt_u7QmjIMdhwgHbedAm_l5g_/view?usp=sharing

Loving Kindness meditation:

https://insighttimer.com/ucla/guided-meditations/loving-kindness-meditation

Zoom call 3/28/20 Resources

News is Not All Bad from Harvard:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-coronavirus-pandemic-is-not-good-but-the-news-is-not-all-bad-2020031919247

Woman helps elderly couple buy groceries when they are too scared to go out:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coronavirus-elderly-rebecca-mehra-twitter-buys-couple-groceries-scared-to-go-into-store-during-oregon-outbreak/

Positive stories from around the world:

https://interestingengineering.com/7-positive-coronavirus-stories-and-developments-to-help-you-lighten-up

Good news stories from the BBC:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-51963446

Children around the UK hang rainbows in their windows:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-8142483/Children-country-best-rainbowtrail-support-staying-home.html?fbclid=IwAR1snhIL48MNcsXFHu22svM8ZflY25UCtkfSn__bV-_RnhnsuqoPldJlA-U

News anchor from SC creates a Facebook group for sharing good news stories:

https://www.abc4.com/news/top-stories/sharing-a-little-good-news-amid-coronavirus-concerns/

Deepak Chopra on What We Pay Attention To Grows:

https://www.abc4.com/news/top-stories/sharing-a-little-good-news-amid-coronavirus-concerns/

Gratitude Exercises from Positive Psychology:

https://positivepsychology.com/gratitude-exercises/

More gratitude exercises:

https://daringtolivefully.com/gratitude-exercises

Mindvalley Meditations:

https://www.mindvalley.com/?utm_source=google (Six Phases Meditation; Phase 2 is on Gratitude)

Zoom call 3/31/20 Resources

***NOTE: Will need Facebook to open the first two links***

Failed attempt at an exercise routine: https://www.facebook.com/krista.cino/videos/10222739239774451/

Brandon’s exercise video: https://www.facebook.com/brandon.doles.5/videos/10158519427131844/?t=2

Exercise video part 2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sgbEY_qmFZckNB4M-AqWtC4QeAzQ-r2y/view?fbclid=IwAR3ttmdcYqoScGfpkPqrnVV9Bx82EeNLl25fxeU_q0yZZNK5QN9B8uA9ElM

Meditation for After Exercise: https://youtu.be/ulQWJlNzYKc

Yoga with Adriene from Austin, TX: https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene

Zoom call 4/4/20 Resources:

Important considerations for good mental health: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ssqVNYSS-sirK4fI27HFg7opCVO_I7bh/view?usp=sharing

Mental Health Check (infographic): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1reZt6N4uvNp83rw0sTqeqRQifgogC3Sg/view?usp=sharing

Zoom call 4/7/20 Resources:

Brene Brown podcast on staying calm amidst anxiety 

***NOTE: she does use several curse words–parent discretion advised***

https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-on-anxiety-calm-over-under-functioning/

1-Minute Meditation

https://insighttimer.com/donreedsimmons/guided-meditations/one-minute-meditation

Nature Scenes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM02vNMRRB0&t=1861s

Zoom call 4/11/20 Resources:

Sunrise over Lake Michigan from Greenwood Street Beach in Evanston, IL on the morning of Good Friday, April 10, 2020: https://photos.app.goo.gl/nSQ6RERfuk8GWAwX7

Article on Long-term Mental Health, the Collective Trauma we are all experiencing: https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/09/health/coronavirus-mental-health-long-term-wellness/index.html

James Corden’s show where the cast of Dear Evan Hansen sing “I Am Found”: https://youtu.be/_10msPMEick

Story that Stephanie Garrity read: Walt Disney’s “Grandpa Bunny” by Bill Justice

“Rainbows Children” Poem written by a woman from Durham, England: https://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2020-04-09/ant-and-dec-recite-durham-mum-s-rainbow-children-poem/

Meditation by Kirsten Pancras called Rainbow Practice: https://insighttimer.com/kirstenpancras/guided-meditations/rainbow-meditation

Beautiful Colorful Way video on YouTube (playing in the background during the meditation): https://youtu.be/hyHwuMRotf0

Somewhere Over Rainbow song by IZ: https://youtu.be/U-Ooxpz0Eqk

(NOTE: this video is actually the Celebration of Life ceremony that was performed for IZ after his death; a beautiful tribute to him and the many lives his touched through his music)

Zoom call 4/14/20 resources:

Macho Man Exercise Video from Brandon Doles

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sgbEY_qmFZckNB4M-AqWtC4QeAzQ-r2y/view?fbclid=IwAR3ttmdcYqoScGfpkPqrnVV9Bx82EeNLl25fxeU_q0yZZNK5QN9B8uA9ElM

Stress Shaker/Calm down/Memory Jars

https://drive.google.com/file/d/129unm3gzWt3mYmxci2OZ6VmRu-DdVWPi/view?usp=sharing

Bumble Bee Breathing:  

1. Take a deep breath in through your nose
2. As you exhale through your nose, hum like a bumble bee, blowing out as much air as possible.
3. Repeat this at least 10 times, or until you feel more relaxed.
4. Optional: you can also hold your ears and rub them as you exhale (looks a little like the wings of a bee–both your ears pulled out and your bent arms–and the rubbing of the ears can help relax you as well)

Zoom call 4/18/20 resources:

“What if” document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hcYUbZ14ZmiODULR0oo2YMC0WHxJmKuaAERerYRrQHk/edit?usp=sharing

Anilah Medicine Chant: https://youtu.be/zHDrHRmaQjQ

Zoom call 4/25/20 resources:

Rainbow rice craft project: https://theimaginationtree.com/easiest-way-to-dye-rice-for-sensory-play/

Rainbow collage craft project: https://theimaginationtree.com/12-art-activities-using-tissue-paper/

Melted crayon art craft project: https://www.instructables.com/id/Melted-Crayon-Art/

Rainbows in Windows (story read by Donald Sutherland): https://youtu.be/SvtGI9YxPk4

Rainbow Connection (sing sung by Kermit the Frog): https://youtu.be/WS3Lkc6Gzlk

Becoming a Rainbows Site/Facilitator:

The program is strictly a support group, and not professional counseling or therapy, so virtually any volunteer over 18 with a clean federal background check can be trained to facilitate a group. Facilitators do not have to come from any particular background or have any specific experience. The cost of the online training to become certified to facilitate these support groups is $160 per facilitator. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are offering a discount on the training to anyone who signs up between now and the time people start returning to work/school. The cost will be $96 and further discounts will be provided for sites that train multiple facilitators.

In addition to the 8-hour training course, the fee includes the facilitator manual with a full, evidence-based curriculum for all 12 weekly meetings for every age level from Pre-K through 12th grade. Each weekly meeting is on a different topic and has objectives to meet, questions to ask, an activity, materials needed for the activity, and a reflection. The meetings are generally 30-60 minutes, depending on age, and recommended group sizes are between 3-5 children per facilitator. There is a multitude of additional resources, materials and support included in the cost of the training as well. Children are provided the knowledge and skills to build resiliency to adversity. What they really appreciate, however, is seeing that there are other children and teens going through similar experiences. This not only helps them feel less alone, but generally it is often easier for children to share their story with peers than it can be to an individual counselor who is typically an unfamiliar adult.

If you would like to proceed, the next step is to submit a Facilitator Application. Applying does not obligate you to become a facilitator, nor to the program. We will contact you with more information to help you determine whether you would like to move forward with Rainbows and help you along the way!

Additional Ways to Support Children and Teens During Crisis:

Children and teens may have heightened fears and worries; those who have experienced loss are particularly vulnerable to greater anxiety and depression at this time.

Here are some ways to provide support to the children and teens in your life:

1. If your child’s school has closed and/or they are quarantined at home, consider setting up “virtual playdates” via Zoom (free video conferencing) or FaceTime with some of their friends. Social interaction is important for connecting with others and not feeling alone.
2. Ask grandparents, or other older relatives, to “check in” on the child or teen by calling 1-2 times/week. This can not only help the child feel valued, but it can also help the older person who might also be feeling isolated and depressed to feel important and needed. Alternatively, you can also assign the task to an older child or teen to check in on “grandma” and make sure they are okay.
3. Help children and teens to establish a new routine, if their current one has changed. Children thrive on routine, which helps them feel more safe and secure. Be sure to build in time for fun and relaxation as well as schoolwork, chores, etc.
4. Check in with the child regularly. Ask open-ended questions. Rather than “How are you?” ask “What are some of the concerns you have going into today?” or “What did you like most about the way things went today?”
5. Avoid focusing conversations entirely on fears and worries but encourage discussion about feelings and healthy ways to cope with new changes and things that cause anxiety. Try as much as possible to focus on the positive: what is going well, what can we be thankful for, what are things to look forward to.
6. Find more ways to support them when they experience fears and worries here: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nEQGb4UtuzIjCkym-1gcwyBMmYw73SxG/view?usp=sharing

Parent resources for talking to children about COVID-19:

From the National Association of School Psychologists

https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-(coronavirus)-a-parent-resource

From the New York Times parenting section:

https://parenting.nytimes.com/childrens-health/coronavirus-kids-talk

Guide for parents/caregivers on family coping (English, Chinese, Spanish available):

National Child Traumatic Stress Network

https://www.nctsn.org/resources/parent-caregiver-guide-to-helping-families-cope-with-the-coronavirus-disease-2019

Back to School 2020 Resources for Parents

Back to School Planning: Checklists to Guide Parents, Guardians and Caregivers-

A guide from the CDC on how to prepare for classes in 2020, whether in-person or virtual.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/parent-checklist.html#planning-at-home-learning 

Families in Schools: Coronavirus Learning Resources for Families-

Resources to supplement your child’s learning.

https://www.familiesinschools.org/coronavirus-learning-resources-for-families/ 

COVID-19 Resources for Remote Learning-

Tips and resources for parents and teachers to support kids during remote learning.

https://www.challengesuccess.org/resources/covid-19-resources-for-remote-learning/ 

Remote Learning Resources for Parents-

Tips for remote learning and resources to supplement learning.

https://www.k12blueprint.com/content/remote-learning-resources-parents 

Helping at Home: Tips for Parents-

Tips for caring for your child’s mental and emotional health.

https://www.mhanational.org/helping-home-tips-parents 

Teachers and Parents: Working Together to Make Distance Learning Work-

https://mhanational.org/teachers-and-parents-working-together-make-distance-learning-work 

Back to School 2020 Resources for Students

Kid Health-

Information for kids and teens about how to deal with feelings and difficult situations.

https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/feeling/?WT.ac=k-nav-feeling 

Johns Hopkins Children’s Center-

A PDF on how to combat loneliness and boredom.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/johns-hopkins-childrens-center/patients-and-families/_documents/covid-19-resources-for-families/resources-combat-loneliness-boredom.pdf 

Teen Mental Health-

Information for teens about mental health issues and how to get through them.

http://teenmentalhealth.org/ 

Time to Talk: Tips for Talking about Your Mental Health

https://www.mhanational.org/time-talk-tips-talking-about-your-mental-health 

How to Maintain your Social Relationships During Online School-

https://mhanational.org/how-maintain-your-social-relationships-during-online-school-kids-and-teens 

Social Emotional Learning Videos-

Videos on managing anxiety and stress and learning about empathy 

https://www.mylemarks.com/sel-videos.html 

Back to School 2020 Resources for Teachers

Supporting Safety and Wellbeing of Children and Families During Covid-19-

A PDF with tips for checking in on your students and their families.

https://www.scoe.net/media/lgfbnnb2/child_safety_guide.pdf 

Classroom Mental Health-

Information on promoting good mental health in the classroom.

https://classroommentalhealth.org/ 

Tips for Teachers: Ways to Help Students Who Struggle with Emotions or Behaviors-

https://mhanational.org/tips-teachers-ways-help-students-who-struggle-emotions-or-behavior 

Additional Resources for Children and Teens:

The FREE Rainbows App has “Mood Boosters”–age-specific activities for children and teens to help boost their mood. Search for “Rainbows for All Children” on Google Playstore or iTunes.

Rainbows Pinterest page has activities that are good for children and/or families when they are stuck inside, fast meals to prepare, and ways to cope when under stress: https://www.pinterest.com/rainbowsforallchildren/

“Responding to Change and Loss” : This booklet is free to download here and was created thanks to the support of Alex Cares for Grieving Youth and the National Alliance for Grieving Children. 

Donald Sutherland reads a children’s book about the “Big Feelings” kids can have when they are stuck inside during the pandemic: https://youtu.be/SvtGI9YxPk4

Sesame Street coronavirus resources for families

https://www.sesamestreet.org/caring

Specifically for teens

Erika’s Lighthouse “We’re in this together” campaign

https://secure.qgiv.com/event/inthistogether/?utm_source=Erika%27s+Lighthouse+Subscribers&utm_campaign=5ea1576e50-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_08_14_10_37_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_36281010ad-5ea1576e50-356110717 

Stress-relieving Activities:

Virtual museums

https://hellogiggles.com/news/museums-with-virtual-tours/?utm_source=facebook.com

DIY Paper Squishies:

https://youtu.be/6fOtfrFq1q8

Additional measures/activities to relieve stress and anxiety:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/16-ways-relieve-stress-anxiety#section3

https://www.berries.com/blog/stress-relief-activities

https://www.verywellmind.com/tips-to-reduce-stress-3145195

Online magazine, Mindful, has good tips on mindfulness and the mind-body connection:

https://www.mindful.org/how-to-stop-breathe-listen-and-connect-during-the-covid-outbreak/

Resources for coping with grief during COVID-19:

Responding to the loss of a loved one during the pandemic from Remembering A Life:

https://rememberingalife.com/covid-19/grief-during-the-pandemic/covid-19-grief-guide 

How to provide workplace support when an employee passes away from Just Works:

https://justworks.com/blog/how-provide-workplace-support-when-employees-passes-away 

How to cope with the physical effects of grief from Very Well Mind:

https://www.verywellmind.com/physical-symptoms-of-grief-4065135 

Loss of a pet from VCA:

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/grief-and-bereavement—loss-of-a-pet 

Pet memorials at home from Home Advisor:

https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/pet-memorials/ 

A relaxation for grief exercise from the Mindfulness and Grief Institute:

https://mindfulnessandgrief.com/coping-with-grief-relaxation/ 

Coping with depression after a loved one’s death from Health Line:

https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/death-loved-one#grief-vs-depression 

Dealing with grief and loss during the COVID-19 Pandemic from the CDC:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/stress-coping/grief-loss.html 

Knowing what to expect during bereavement and grief from MHA:

https://www.mhanational.org/bereavement-and-grief 

Coping with Grief and Loss from Help Guide

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17OPvzOcA2bgRbCwJi9drzuDryfBbMl6L/view?usp=sharing 

Meditations:

Guided Imagery—explanation and how to do it

https://www.verywellmind.com/use-guided-imagery-for-relaxation-3144606

Free App for Various Meditations

https://insighttimer.com/

Sarah Blondin’s Live Awake Series on Insight Timer

https://insighttimer.com/sarahblondin

Ho’oponopono (Hawaiian practice of forgiveness)

I’m sorry

Please forgive me

Thank you

I love you

https://upliftconnect.com/hawaiian-practice-of-forgiveness/

Spiritual Resources:

Non-denominational, interfaith children’s group

www.spiritualplaydate.com

Exercises:

Brandon Doles’ “Macho Man” Exercise for Kids

Part 1: https://www.facebook.com/brandon.doles.5/videos/10158519427131844/ 

**will need a Facebook account to open this**

Part 2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sgbEY_qmFZckNB4M-AqWtC4QeAzQ-r2y/view?fbclid=IwAR3ttmdcYqoScGfpkPqrnVV9Bx82EeNLl25fxeU_q0yZZNK5QN9B8uA9ElM

Yoga with Adriene from Austin, TX: https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene

Information on COVID-19 and Protecting Yourself:

all ages:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html  

World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

specifically for children:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/children-faq.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fspecific-groups%2Fchildren-faq.html

for children with special needs:

AAP information for families on Corona Virus (for children with special needs)

https://familyvoices.org/coronavirus/

Managing stress and anxiety:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html

Social Service Resources:

Child Care Aware of America—resources for families in need

https://www.childcareaware.org/resources/other-helpful-resources/resources-families/

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau—protect yourself financially from COVID-19 impact

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/protect-yourself-financially-from-impact-of-coronavirus/?fbclid=IwAR0dhuo9n0yBE28gD2YbTI6RwqvgAgbAV8wsOgLXwHT4PSUtEC_5kxLi-5I

FREE Internet Service to Families in Need

https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19

Mental Health First Aid

https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

FREE Virtual Mental Health Services:

Mosaic Therapy: https://mosaictherapy.org/mosaictherapy-virtual-clinic/

Virtual Rainbows Group for children ages 3-18 who have experienced loss: please email Bill Ovca at bzipp@msn.com

Crisis Text Line 

A global not-for-profit organization providing free confidential crisis intervention via SMS message. The organization’s services are available 24 hours a day, every day, throughout the US, UK, and Canada and can be reached by texting HOME to 741741, 85258, or 686868 respectively. Great for teens who prefer texting!

National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Heath Covid19 Resources:  https://www.ffcmh.org/covid-19-resources-for-parents?fbclid=IwAR1yyGraVMjo2C3dkT0pAo416A2ggW3IBrmKOwtjCoalC9Ch6o67Jy4A7xM

Dr. David Susman’s list of 10 best Covid-19 mental health resources: http://davidsusman.com/2020/04/30/taking-care-of-your-mental-health-during-the-pandemic-10-great-resources/?fbclid=IwAR0xCsw4T2NSxZ3n7qr4J1oyTzA7TvI_2lMxKb5dCsCWxmU3-S0LRPRcrQI

Trauma and Community Crisis Resources:

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/ptsd-trauma/helping-children-cope-with-traumatic-stress.htm

https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-worksheet/trauma-reactions

http://cctasi.northwestern.edu/family/parents-caregivers/

https://www.cdc.gov/childrenindisasters/helping-children-cope.html

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/helping-children-and-adolescents-cope-with-disasters-and-other-traumatic-events/index.shtml

Children and Trauma: A Guide for Parents and Professionals by Cynthia Monahon

COVID Pandemic-Specific Resources:

https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/6-ways-parents-can-support-their-kids-through-coronavirus-covid-19

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/for-parents.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/talking-with-children.html

https://preventchildabuse.org/coronavirus-resources/

Recommended books for Pre-K-1st grade

Topic: Self Discovery/ Strength of Self/ Telling One’s Story

What I Like About Me! by Allia Zobel-Nolan and Miki Sakamoto

I Like Myself! By Karen Beaumont and David Catrow

I Like Me! by Nancy Carlson

Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae

Topic: Feelings/Emotions/Using Senses

The Color Monster by Anna Llenas

Glad Monster, Sad Monster by Ed Emberley and Anna Miranda

The Way I Feel by Janan Cain

One of Those Days by Amy Krouse Rosentha

Topic: Change/ New Beginnings/ Transitions

The Fox and the Star by Coralie Bickford-Smith

Wherever You Go, by Pat Zietlow Miller and Eliza Wheeler

Little Treeby Loren Long

The Water Princess by Susan Verde

Bella’s Fall Coat by Lynn Plourde

Topic: Anger/ Feeling Upset

Even Superheroes Have Bad Days by Shelly Becker

When Sophie Gets Angry, Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang

When I Feel Angry by Cornelia Maude Spelman

Llama Llama Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney

Happy Hippo, Angry Duck by Sandra Boynton

Sally Simon Simmons’ Super Frustrating Day by Abbie Schiller

Topic: Discovering Peace/ Relieving Stress or Anxiety

The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper

Chu’s First Day of School by Neil Gaiman

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes

Owen by Kevin Henkes

Bunny Bungalow by Cynthia Rylant

The Next Place by Warren Hansen

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

Topic: Giving/ Helping Others/ Being Kind

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld

How Full Is Your Bucket? By Tom Rath

Becoming a Good Creature by Sy Montgomery and Rebecca Greene

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Pass It On by Sophy Henn

Recommended books for Kids 1st-4th grade

Topic: Self Discovery/ Strength of Self/ Telling One’s Story

Remarkably You by Pat Zeitlow Miller

I’m Gonna Like Me by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds

We’re Different, We’re the Same by Sesame Street

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes

Topic: Feelings/Emotions/Using Senses

The Way I Feelby Janan Cain

Glad Monster, Sad Monster by Ed Emberley and Anna Miranda

 The Unbudgeable Curmudgeon by Matthew Burgess

One of Those Days by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

The Color Monster by Anna Llenas

Topic: Change/ New Beginnings/ Transitions

Goodbye Friend, Hello Friend by Cori Doerrfeld

Little Home Bird by Jo Empson

Little Tree by Loren Long

The Water Princess by Susan Verde

Bella’s Fall Coat by Lynn Plourde

Topic: Anger/ Feeling Upset

Mad Isn’t Bad by Michaelene Mundy

Even Superheroes Have Bad Days by Shelly Becker

When Sophie Gets Angry, Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang

When I Feel Angry by Cornelia Maude Spelman

Topic: Endings/New Beginnings/ Adjusting to Change

The Old Woman Who Named Things by Cynthia Rylant

Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin

Growing Season by Maryann Cocca-Leffler

There by Mary-Louise Fitzpatrick

The Pink Refrigerator by Tim Egan

If I Never Forever Endeavor by Holly Meade

Topic: Discovering Peace/ Relieving Stress or Anxiety

Peace by Wendy Anderson Halperin

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes

Owen by Kevin Henkes

What Does Peace Feel Like? by Vladimir Radunsky

The Next Place by Warren Hansen

Topic: Giving/ Helping Others/ Being Kind

Pass It On by Sophy Henn

How Full Is Your Bucket? By Tom Rath

Becoming a Good Creature by Sy Montgomery and Rebecca Greene

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

What Is Given From the Heart by Patricia C. McKissack

Listening With My Heart by Gabi Garcia