During these unprecedented and unimaginable times, it’s important we rely on our individual and collective resources to support one another. See below for a thoughtfully curated list of creative, mindful, and share-able resources to help cope with anxiety, distress, and uncertainty. We invite you to check back periodically, as we update this list with new/emerging resources.
Share Resources, Not the Virus!
Top website recommendation for unbiased facts, assembled by a collection of smart and resourceful professionals
Stanford-based resource for managing a variety of emotions and difficulties. Explore distinct modules each aimed at helping you feel better in some way.
Meditations for anxiety, stress, sleep (and lots more)
- Trinka and Sam Fighting the Big Virus: Fantastic free/downloadable picture book with parent guide
- Moose the Worry Mutt Goes to Doggie Daycare: Teaches children how to “bark back” at worried thoughts and thereby transform from WORRIER into WARRIOR.
- What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety: One of our favorite workbook resources for helping manage worry.
- A Terrible Thing Happened: This book never names/defines the “terrible thing,” yet illustrates the value of sharing feelings with and seeking support from helpful adults.
- Worries Are Not Forever: Thank goodness!
- The Invisible String: Staying connected while physically apart.
- What To Do With a Problem: Inspiring and beautifully illustrated.
- Big Bad Bubble: Whimsical and playful, this book is about bubbles (soap-related??) aaand anxiety management — how apropos!
- After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again): Cleverly illustrated tale of transforming trauma into growth
- From the National Child Traumatic Stress Network
- Fantastic free/downloadable picture book with parent guide
- From The Child Mind Institute
- Kids worry more when kept in the dark; tips for talking!
- From PBS.org
- Includes resources for young children (e.g., Daniel Tiger episodes on washing hands, germs, etc.)
- From The Meg Foundation
- 3-minute YouTube video with Dos and Don’ts
- Pepper & Soap Activity – For teaching the importance of hand washing at appropriate times (interpret/modify language as you see fit; consider using term “germs” instead of “virus”).
- Dear Therapist’s Guide to Staying Sane During a Pandemic, by Lori Gottlieb
- How You and Your Kids Can De-Stress During Coronavirus, by Deborah Farmer Kris
- Factsheet (to help families cope) from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network
- Parenting In a Pandemic: A Guide, by Emily Eldynn, PhD
SchKIDules: Magnetic visual schedule system for children; enlist your child’s interests/motivation to help structure long days at home.
Storylineonline.net– A free literacy program where actors read to children (Read: Delightful distractions from anxious thoughts!) This link will take you to a particularly imaginative book selection. 🙂