TIPS FOR PARENTS trying to keep it together under self-isolation during #COVID2019 (a thread).

Children are stressed. So are you.

Prioritize social-emotional learning (SEL); it& #39;s just as important as academics.

Meditate or pray. Practice yoga. Set up a "calming corner"...
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...or SEL basket w/ books, pillows, loveys, blankets, sensory toys (like fidget spinners, bubbles, or squeeze balls from playdough+balloon). Print SEL cards found online.

Remember: IT& #39;S OKAY TO PAUSE ACADEMIC LEARNING FOR SEL.

SEL teaches *essential* life skills!

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Parents need self-care, too.

As they say on airplanes: Put on your own oxygen mask before you help your child.

Make space for regulating your own big feelings before addressing your child& #39;s. Breathe & count to 10. Go for a walk, or to another room to calm down.

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4... Surround yourself w/ support.

Talk to friends.

Check out parenting ebooks from the library. Look for authors like Dr. Shefali Tsaberry, Dr. Laura Markham, and Dr. Ross Greene.

If you& #39;re overwhelmed, look for online counseling. It& #39;s covered by most plans, incl. ACA.
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Use this unexpected time together to connect as a family and soothe tensions & fears.

Here are a few ideas to get you started (most also teach academics like lang. arts, math, science!):

—Play board games & trad. games like charades or hopscotch.

—Bake & cook.

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—Start a kitchen garden in your yard, balcony, or window. (No soil? start a kitchen compost pail. No seeds? scavenge from fruit & veg.)

—Decorate a window w/ washable markers (or make gels w/ glue & wax paper). Write a message of support to docs, nurses & EMTs.

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—Exercise together. (Brains work & emotions regulate best when oxygenated.) Take a walk if you can, while you can. Try yoga, mat exercises, juggling, hackey sack or beach ball (lightweight=less risk of damage).

—Read together. Or listen to audiobooks or podcasts.

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Finally, if you& #39;re a smoker, please consider quitting. Early data suggests a link b/w smoking & #Covid19, and second-hand smoke poses its own risks to children.

Many smoking cessation aids are covered by the ACA. https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="đźš­" title="No smoking symbol" aria-label="Emoji: No smoking symbol">

I wish you & your family the best.

/end
Sorry, this should read "a link be smoking & *severe or fatal* Covid-19." https://twitter.com/effie_persists/status/1240131360657940481?s=20">https://twitter.com/effie_per...
Resource for parents seeking coping help, and children who need intervention: 1-800-4-A-CHILD https://twitter.com/Childhelp/status/1241095174916395012?s=20">https://twitter.com/Childhelp...
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