Relationships Matter, Now More Than Ever

COVID-19 was an unsettling time we had to learn how to navigate. During this time, the power of human connection was evident, and needed more than ever. We talk frequently about the importance of relationships, knowing that these relationships nurture and build us up. Relationships matter! While it was a challenge to maintain our relationships as we moved to technology-based platforms, the needs were great. Although many of the precautions and public health recommendations have subsided, we know that families and children continue to struggle from the indirect effects of a pandemic. We can support children and families by listening and validating concerns, being a partner in talking through challenges, connecting families to resources, and talking about behaviors their child may be exhibiting during this time. Your connection will make a difference!

Below are a collection of resources that you may find helpful.

Will our kids be okay? Parents’ concerns about the pandemic’s effect on children

The middle ground: Supporting children’s brain development during the pandemic

The pandemic’s biggest impact on children? How it affects adults

Supporting Kids During the Coronavirus Crisis: Tips for Nurturing and Protecting Children at Home

How Anxiety Leads to Disruptive Behavior

While We Can’t Hug by Eoin McLaughlin

Time to Come In Bear: A Children’s Story About Social Distancing

Feeling Faces: This is How I Feel Today

Coronavirus: Helping Children Cope

Top Parenting Tips for Families and Caregivers in Uncertain Times

Birdie and the Virus Story Book and Song

Age Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event

Parenting Tips for Dads During COVID-19 Crisis

My Coronavirus Story

I Can Wear a Mask

Coronavirus Social Story

Something Strange Happened in My City

Georgie and the Giant Germ Coloring Pages

10 Phrases Parents Can Use to Help Kids Understand Social Distancing

Mindfulness Practices for Families

COVID-19 Resources for Families: Helping Children Understand COVID-19

West Virginia Resource Guide for Caregivers: Caring For Your Family During the COVID-19 Crisis

Helping Children Understand Personal Protective Equipment

Helping Young Kids Through the Coronavirus Crisis

Dr. Bruce Perry: Staying Emotionally Close in the Time of COVID-19

Just for Kids: A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus

COVID-19 Tips for Parents by Barbara Stroud

Supporting Young Children Isolated Due to Coronavirus

Love in the Time of Coronavirus: A HOPE-informed Guide for Parents

“Hello, I’m a Virus” book for young children

How to Support Children (and Yourself) During the COVID-19 Outbreak

The Pandemic Toolkit Families Need

COVID-19 Parenting: Learning through Play

COVID-19 Parenting: Keeping Children Safe Online

Spring activity ideas to do with your children

Sesame Street: Caring for Each Other

Trinka and Sam Fighting the Big Virus: Trink, Sam, and Littletown Work Together

APA: US Adults Report Highest Stress Level Since Early Days of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Your Surge Capacity is Depleted–It’s Why You Feel Awful

The Dangers of Digital Fatigue and How to Prioritize Your Mental Health

Coping During COVID-19/NAEYC Resources

Supporting WV Home Visitors infographic

Supporting WV Home Visitors handout

Supporting the WV Home Visitation Supervisor During COVID-19

COVID-19 and Early Care and Education Considerations Before Reopening Learning Module

Tips for Family Services Staff Working Remotely

Guidelines for Beginning and Maintaining a Reflective Supervision/Consultation Relationship Via Distance Learning

Supporting Families in Uncertain Times: Social Media Messages

Understanding Trauma in an Early Childhood Context

10 Free Resources for Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day

Return to the Workplace Checklist by AlignHR

Telehealth Strategies for Infant Mental Health

Stress, Resilience, and the Role of Science: Responding to the Coronavirus Pandemic

Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Preschool, Elementary and Secondary Schools While Serving Children with Disabilities

“The Brain Architects COVID-19 Special Edition: A Different World”

Hope, Engagement, and COVID-19

Managing Fears and Anxieties Around the Coronavirus

The MIRACLE Project: Easing Anxiety During Challenging Times

Infographic: What is COVID-19? And How Does it Relate to Child Development?

Partnering with Families to Improve Economic Stability During and After COVID-19

Neurosequential Network COVID-19 Stress, Distress, and Trauma Series

Prevent Child Abuse West Virginia
Partners in Community Outreach West Virginia
Western Regional CASA
West Virginia Infant Toddler Mental Health Association
Mountain State Healthy Families