Parenting

Parenting Resources for COVID-19

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Midtown parents, how do you lead your family when things are changing so rapidly that the announcements that came out yesterday from the White House or Centers for Disease Control are obsolete today? We all know that children thrive on structure, but how do you give that to them when it feels like chaos all around you?

We’ve pulled together resources that we think are helpful, along with a summary of each. They range from the exclusively spiritual to emotional to practical. As usual, stay in touch with your LifeGroup and let us know if you have any needs by submitting them here. As well, consider single people in your life who may count it a blessing to come help you out!

With all resource recommendations, remember to keep your discernment meter up. Eat the meat and spit out the bones. Take the helpful truth and prayerfully apply it in a way that is most fruitful for you.

Overall Tips

  • Maintain as much of a normal routine as possible

  • Limit how much you and your children look at the news and social media

  • Your kids will mirror how you react

  • Refocus the attention on God’s power and love

  • Pray with your kids

  • Encourage them to talk to you about their worries and fears

Christian Resources

  • How to Talk to Children About the Coronavirus, The Gospel Coalition

    • Three questions to ask kids:

      • 1. Why do Christians not have to fear death? 

      • 2. Why should Christians still be safe, responsible, and wise about the Coronavirus? 

      • 3. Why can Christians live in this dangerous world without fear? 

    • The author walks through the answers to these questions and finishes the article with this:

“Whether through the closing of their school or information they’ve heard in the media, your child will learn of the coronavirus’s dangers. Proactively point them to the Lord’s good and gracious character, along with the gospel’s sweet and sure promises, and you will comfort them amid this present crisis. And it can prepare them for life’s afflictions down the road.”

  • Talking with Kids About the CoronaVirus, Focus on the Family

    • Keep calm and communicate

    • Provide reassurance

    • Stick to the facts (e.g. Centers for Disease Control and National Institutes of Health)

    • Use this time for family fun

    • God is still in control

  1. Get the facts

  2. Validate your child’s fears

  3. Limit media coverage

  4. Discuss disruptions

  5. Maintain perspective

  1. Create a schedule...but hang on to it loosely

  2. Set up your classroom

  3. Use your kids’ currency (referring to consequences/rewards)

  4. Be aware of your kids’ learning style

  5. Don’t be afraid to fail

  6. Be there for your kids

  • Parenting Well in the Midst of a Pandemic, Crossroads Church, Cincinnati, OH

    • Take a deep breath

    • Their concerns are real

    • Be a detective

    • Talk with them about specifics as they’re ready

    • Be developmentally appropriate

    • Turn off the news

    • Hold onto routines as much as possible

    • Don’t play the blame game

    • Fill their minds with God’s truth

    • Share with friends in need

    • Be Jesus to your friends, neighbors, and family

  • How to Support Kids With Anxiety During the Coronavirus, Key Ministry

    • Model the response you would desire from your child

    • Consider involving your kids in your family’s preparations and response to the virus

    • Monitor exposure to attention-grabbing stories in the media

    • Plan ahead by identifying lots of books and activities that can occupy an anxious child’s mind

    • Use videoconferencing technology to connect with relatives and friends

    • Have a 90-day supply of prescription medication on hand

    • Model faith in action

Additional Resources

  • Talking to Children about COVID-19: A Parent Resource, National Association of School Psychologists

    • Model good health practices to them

    • Assure them that adults are working hard to make sure that everyone is safe

    • Maintain a normal routine as much as possible

    • Monitor television and social media use

    • Know that your children might be in need of extra care and attention at this time

Activity Resources

35 Activity Ideas for Kids Stuck at Home, Pop Sugar