Complex Parenting in Complicated Times
For many families right now, the multi-faceted impacts of covid-19, on-going effects of racial trauma, and other challenges, are making parenting feel increasingly hard. We offer the tools below to support you and your household.
TALKING ABOUT RACE AND RACISM
Here is an easy-to-use Parenting Toolkit on “How to Talk to Kids About Race and Racism.” The six approaches the toolkit addresses are:
- Actually talk about it.
- Set the example.
- Navigate their curiosity.
- Make it relatable.
- Address mistakes.
- Be an advocate.
THE HEALING POWER OF PLAY
Especially during challenging times, play increases the health and well-being of children and youth. The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University states that play supports responsive relationships, strengthens core life skills, and reduces stress for children.
This article looks at how some children are managing their own perceptions of coronavirus through play.
In his TED Talk, “Play is more than just fun,” Stuart Brown shows how plenty of play in childhood–and into adulthood, can make us smarter at any age.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-CARE
Both you and others in your home can benefit immensely from self-care at this time.
Consider joining our free Home But Not Alone Zoom call on Wednesday, June 3rd from 1:00 – 1:30 pm, “Pain, RAIN, and the Heart of Self-Care” with Janine Beaudry. Click here to register for the call.
Janine shares, “What could being gentle and kind to yourself look like day to day during this uncertain time? Come discuss ways we might tap into sources of joy and energy right from the living room…and discover what a difference true self-care can make during difficult times.”
Also, this article and short video from Happify show you How to Create a Self-Care Toolbox that alleviates stress.
We wish you support and greater ease with any challenges you are managing. If you have found useful and creative ways to support the children and youth in your home with these topics, please share them in the comments.