Supporting your child's development through uncertainties

This year has been heavy. First, the coronavirus outbreak changed many things about our daily lives. And, then, as a society, we are waking up to the fact that our system is broken when it comes to the health, safety and well-being of Black, Brown, and Native people.

Through these uncertain times, our young children are still learning, growing, and developing every day. You can support your child’s healthy development by setting aside few minutes to learn some simple, free activities that can make a difference (and they may even help relieve your stress!).

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Helpful Resources for supporting development during this time

Books! Check out our online portal at bookshop.org.

• Also, hop over to 4 Booklists for Kids and Communities That Embrace Race

  1. ​Books that inspire resilience in kids of color​​

  2. Books that encourage kids of all colors to be inclusive and empathetic 

  3. Books that support kids to think critically about racial inequity

  4. Books that animate kids (and their adults!) to be racial justice advocates for all kids

Printables are a great way to keep your children engaged without a screen involved.

• A selection of crafts & coloring Sheets with diverse characters

• Lets Grow Kids activity Packet

Screen free fun from the museum of Oakland

Art Ideas. Art Bar has an amazing Kids in Quarantine series with week by week activities. Check out the creative series and pick and choose projects that work for your child (and you!).

Talk with family and friends via video chat or phone. This is a great way to connect children with other adults (and give you a short break!). Grandparents

If talking live isn’t an option, write emails or old-fashioned letters to friends and family. Encourage children to ask questions of their grandparents and other adults.

Make encouraging posters and signs and put them in your windows to support your neighbors. This can also be a fun craft project to do with children!

Go outside and say hello to neighbors, friends, people passing by. Just make sure to keep at least 6 feet away from anyone who doesn’t live with you.

• Article: Coronavirus (COVID-19): physical distancing and family wellbeing (Raising Children Network)

• Article: Keeping Classroom Connections Alive (Harvard Graduate School of Education)

• Article: Resources for Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-being during the COVID-19 Pandemic (Child Trends)