These resources have been compiled by the staff of the YMCA of Central New York to help parents, guardians, and members of the community.
Ways to teach children about COVID-19:
- with a Cartoon
- with a Brain Pop video
- with an explainer video
- with a video for school-age children
- with a podcast
- Questions kids might ask
- Answering questions young kids might ask
- Talk to kids about COVID-19
How to support your child or teen:
- Supporting your children & teens during the pandemic: Article 1 | Article 2 | Article 3
- Communication Tips
- If COVID-19 was a social media post
- Coping with COVID-19
Anxiety and Emotional Support for Children:
- 5 Essential Ways to Help Children
- What to do and not to do when a child is anxious
- How to avoid passing anxiety on to your kids
- How to help your child with self-regulation
- How to help kids develop emotional resilience during the pandemic
- Coping and distractions for children when isolated
- Mental Health for your children during the pandemic
Parenting Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic:
- A script to help you talk to your children about COVID-19
- How to parent during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Reassuring your children during the pandemic
- Telling the truth about COVID-19 to children
- Talk to your child about COVID-19, a podcast
- Parenting during a pandemic
- How to avoid passing anxiety on to your kids
- Coronavirus: How to Support Your Child
Support for Children with Family Members Sick from COVID-19:
- What is COVID-19 and why did my family member get it?
- Why can't I visit? For children with a sick family member.
- List of Children's Books about Separation
- List of Children's Books about Grief
- Saying Goodbye from afar
- How to best quarantine at home when a parent has COVID-19
Learning to Keep Yourself Safe- For Children:
Why Play is so Important for Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic:
- In times of crisis, play is the work of the child
- 5 ways to help children during the pandemic with activities
- Sesame Street routines for a new normal
Activities to do with Children during Quarantine or about COVID-19:
- How to support your child worksheet
- Family guide
- Coronavirus coloring packet
- Learn about COVID-19 coloring book
- My COVID-19 time capsule activity
- My Lockdown Diary activity book
Ways to Help in Your Community:
- Donate to the Caring for Caregivers Fund
- Donate to Providing A Virtual Visitation Fund
- Food Bank of CNY
- Upstate Plasma Project
- Make Your Own Face Masks
Upstate Medical University Resources:
- Staying Healthy
- Keeping You Safe
- Upstate Doctor Answers Questions (Video)
- Testing at Upstate
- Flattening the Curve
- Self Care when you are sick
- How to Care for Someone with COVID-19 (Podcast)
- Upstate FAQ page
- Mobile Testing Clinics in Madison County
- Pooled Testing
State-wide Resources & Information:
- New York Health Department COVID-19 Information
- NY Child Care COVID-19
- NY Division of Child Care Services: Help for Parents
- NY Division of Child Care Services: Childcare Subsidy Information
- NY School Reopening Guidance
- Information for Parents Needing Care
- Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies
- Additional Resources for Parents Seeking Care