Parenting/Caregiving Resources
The National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health provides this collection of resources, which includes videos, tool kits, activities to use at home and more to support parents, caregivers and their children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics include:
- Self-care and coping with stress/anxiety
- Talking with kids about COVID-19
- Supporting youth and young adults
- Specific diagnoses and special needs
The September 26th Project focuses on helping families and caregivers of children or adults with cognitive, behavioral and/or physical impairments prepare for wandering and elopement and disasters such as fires floods, or earthquakes.
The September 26th Projects assists and encourages families to do a checkup at least annually and not put emergency preparedness on the back burner. They provide checklists and information on:
Tips for Coping with a New Baby During COVID-19
Information from HealthyChildren.org.
Virtual Care Package for Caregivers
The Illinois Respite Coalition put together this Virtual Care Package with free virtual resources to help caregivers take time for themselves.
It includes links to podcasts, playlists, exercises and other tips for caregivers.
Virtual Respite Provider Training Course
The Illinois Respite Coalition provides a free, online Respite Provider Training Program consisting of ten courses for individuals interested in providing respite care. The courses can be taken on your own time and will provide information to meet the Respite Care Professionals Core Competencies.
Following completion, participants will a certificate of completion and have the option of joining the statewide registry to be connected to respite opportunities.
Download the flyer for the Respite Provider Training Course.
What Parents Need to Know About COVID-19
Information from HealthyChildren.org
Young Children at Home During the COVID-19 Outbreak: The Importance of Self-Care
Information from Zero to Three in English and Spanish about why self-care is essential for parents during the pandemic.
Zero to Three’s Coronavirus Tips for Families
Resources that offer tips for families, including age-appropriate responses to common questions, a guide to self-care, and activities for young children experiencing social distancing.