Helpful Coronavirus Resources for Parents and Kids
These are uncertain times. As the constantly updated information about the coronavirus reveals itself, our emotions are all over the place. What will happen next? Will my family be okay? Will my community be okay? Will we have all the resources we need?
This is what we know for sure: Sparkle families are strong families. You are an amazing bunch of people who think clearly, act courageously, and respond with wisdom. We are so grateful to be partnered with you at this historic time in our world.
We do not need to be afraid at this time — but we do need to be smart. There is no need to spend every moment reading the latest news stories, but it is important to stay informed so that we can make responsible decisions that will show love to our families and our communities.
This is a time for us to show leadership in our local communities. Encourage people to wash their hands. Reach out to elderly neighbors to offer support. Remind people that this virus has nothing to do with race or ethnicity. Offer resources to families when schools are closed. Sparkle Stories is offering an extended free trial at this time — share this with your friends.
Below, you’ll find a few online resources that we appreciate — both in terms of news coverage and caring for your family at this time. We hope these are helpful and we’d love to hear what you’ve found in your own reading!
Let’s stick together. Virtual communities have a lot to offer the world these days.
Start with our newest Junkyard Tales story and absorb the mandate to "wash your hands" with some of our favorite Junkyard friends:
We've found this little e-zine to be helpful in explaining how they can help and not worry. Read it along with your kids to spur on discussion together.
For parents, we have a few resources that are more in depth and can help :
- Pandemic Panic? These 5 Tips Can Help You Regain Your Calm
- For numbers only: John Hopkins University Coronvirus Resource Center
- The YouTube Channel of Dr. John Campbell who gives daily updates about the various numbers and helpful ways to stay safe.
- Information Is Beautiful's COVID-19 Data Pack Infographic
- Teaching Kids Media Smarts During Breaking News
- Ten Reasons Why You Ought Not Panic
- Quarentine the New Family Reality
Resources for being stuck at home:
- Stuck at Home? These 12 Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours You Can Take on Your Couch
- Google Earth Explore the world in 3D!
- Are the kids home from school? Here are some great educational resources to keep them busy at home.
- This is huge list of free or almost free learning resources to keep kids learning if schools in your area are closed.
- From our favorite Common Sense Media: Fifty Books All Kids Should Read Before They're Twelve and Best Family Movies.
- Homeschoooling Teens and Tweens During Coronavirus Closings
If you need some extra calm:
- Lisabeth loves "EFT Tapping," a hands on technique that helps to settle your nervous system. The Tapping Solution App has a sequence just for settling fear of the coronavirus.
- Common Sense Media has a list of meditation apps for kids.
- We recommend the Calm App for adult meditation.
- 11 Tips for Staying Calm During the Time of the Coronavirus
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About the Authors
Ann Boyd
Ann is a writer, editor, homeschooling mother, voracious reader, full-fat baker, and musician. She lives in Chicago with her husband and two daughters and chronicles the journey at Boyds’ Nest News.
KC Pagano
KC is a full-time radical homemaker and mama to two spunky little girls. She writes about all kinds of radical goodness, from gardening and cooking with whole foods to crafting, sewing, homeschooling, and mama musings. Read more on her blog The Nettlesome Life.
