Parenting during social distancing
Strategies tempered in love:
Parenting advice for caregivers during the Corona virus pandemic.
Hello fellow NOISEmakers,
I have been hearing you all loud and clear. So many parents and caregivers are feeling stressed and overwhelmed during this time. With students out of school, many are wanting to provide the best learning environment, impromptu teaching materials and attention to their children. Not to mention working from home, managing a household, caring for parents, checking on neighbors and love ones.
As a parent, I am figuring this out in real-time with everyone else. I admit this is a very interesting time. On one end, I’m enjoying homeschooling my son. I’ve always wanted to do so. On the other end, homeschooling during a pandemic isn’t the ideal setting and parameters I was hoping for. Right now the most important thing for us to do is to remain calm and take one day at a time. I have been speaking to many of my family, friends and colleagues and they are sharing many of the joys and frustrations I am.
I created this space for us. Every parent and caregiver who is in need of some ideas, routines and encouragement. Below you will find interviews, links to resources, as well as videos. All of which will offer learning strategies, school material, craft ideas, fun things to do with your children, and moments of pause to reflect on what we have to be thankful for. Outside of my written reflections, the links and information provided will be for educational purposes only.
As we all get used to a new normal, I will be updating this page regularly. If there’s any content that our readers need more of or would like to offer to help others, please let me know. You can email me directly at Ashley@NoiseOmaha.com.
Air hugs,
-Ashley
WELL, WE IN HERE…
Here we go. Here are some websites that are kid friendly and foster learning. As well as a sample home schooling schedule.
Academic site options
Sample schedule
Academic site options
#WithYouTODAY
I found this article on homeschooling from today.com. Lisa Tobin writes about setting up an environment for schooling. She even referenced the same home school schedule I found. We are all looking for resources. Lisa referenced some other web links that you may find helpful as well. See link below.
https://www.today.com/parents/how-homeschool-during -coronavirus-crisis-t176020
If you’re short on time, feel free to watch the video below from Today.com for homeschooling tips.
“Mom, just 10 more minutes.”
-Every child that enjoys T.V. time
Many children enjoy T.V. Whether they are watching their favorite cartoons on Nick Jr. or their favorite movie on Netflix, caregivers are being asked by children if the child could have more time. Sometimes it maybe hard to determine if a show is age appropriate for your child. That’s where Common Sense Media comes in. I found out about this company though searching for content for my son. Common Sense Media’s website states they offer “Common Sense Media is the leading source of entertainment and technology recommendations for families. Parents trust our expert reviews and objective advice.” Feel free to check them out. Here is the website below.
Another website resource for today is Wide Open School. Wide open school is a website that the creators built in several days in response to COVID-19 in the anticipation of children not being in school. Their website says, “Wide open school is a free collection of the best online learning experiences for kids curated by the editors at common sense. There is so much good happenings, and we are here to gather great stuff and organize it so teachers and families can easily find it and plan each day.” Check them out. There website is below.
Wideopenschool.org
Learning is great, but what about fun…
We’re slowly getting into this thing now and as we get our feet wet the question comes up, what are the children going to do for fun as they adjust to a new normal? I downloaded an app called Duolingo. This is a introductory friendly language app which we are enjoying. The app say, “ With our free mobile app or web and a few minutes a day, everyone can Duolingo. Learn 30+ languages online with bite-size lessons based on science.” I have to admit it’s pretty crave worthy. I find myself looking forward to the little owl as It hoots you along to each new lesson. We have passed several categories and earned 30 Lingots. We are trying to figure out what to do with them. 😎
Check them out…
Search “Duolingo” in your App Store
Like to dance with your family?
There are a whole host of song and dance options on the app called TikTok. Whether you’re following choreography you learned or are coming up with something on the fly, these can be a lot of fun. There are a whole host of song and dance options on the app. Kids, teens, parents and even grandparents are featured in videos dancing with their families. Dental offices, nurses, and celebrities have countless videos attempting the latest dance craze challenges. Won’t you and your family make a TikTok video. Currently there is a dance challenge called the Savage challenge…I’ll let you look it up.🕺🏾
Check them out…
Search “TikTok” in your App Store
These dog-on cat videos…
But they are hilarious!
Tony Baker is a comedian. One of what I would call his specialties, is does voiceovers for animals. My child and I look at these and can’t stop laughing. Which allows for a nice brain break from work and school.
Check him out…
Seach “Tony Baker voice over” in your youtube seach bar
Considerations for children who have different learning and behavioral needs
When I first met my colleague Joan, we begin swapping stories about our children. She told me of her children, and the last one that was living at home. She showed me a picture of this beautiful little girl with long hair and a big smile. She went on to tell me that her daughter has down syndrome and likes to dress up, as she referenced the cheerleading outfit her daughter wore in the picture. I showed her a picture of my son, and told her about his funny antics. So In the wake of the pandemic and the implications of children being home without their regular routines, I reached out to her directly. I wanted to check on her and her daughter to see how they had been adjusting. She went on to tell me that it’s been difficult. I told her about the resources I was pulling together for parents and caregivers and asked if I could share the information and ideas she gave me. She was happy to help and went on to say if something she is doing can help someone else, she might as well.
Joan’s experience and suggestions:
“This is a particularly difficult time for my daughter. We live in a small apartment and we only have space for my work computer to be next to the TV. My daughter needs special care and is unable to go to her respite center. The disruption in routine is not good for her. Her behavior has gotten worse and I am having a hard time getting her to eat.
My daughter doesn’t show how she feels and processes in the way that we do. So refusing to eat and other forms of defiance is her way of reacting to the changes going on.I am trying desperately to wake up at 4 AM and spend time with my daughter and get her dressed and fed, and then try to work for a couple hours. But, I’m finding that With cOVID-19 workflow is not the same. Sometimes work is not available at the times I am available.
Even with all of these changes, everything depends on what’s happening with my daughter. I love my daughter and I’ve been at this for 30 years with her. I try to get as creative as possible.
During commercial breaks in between my daughters shows, I get up and I dance real silly to make her laugh. This does not impact my work day well but she’s happy. I try to take make every chore or task into a learning opportunity for my daughter. If I’m folding towels and I gave her a towel to fold, I jump in excitement when she falls it even if it’s not folded the way I would like.If I’m folding towels and I give her a towel to fold, I jump in excitement when she falls it even if it’s not folded the way I would like.
Yesterday (she giggles), I acted Like I was stuck in the dryer and I asked her to help me out. She really enjoyed that. When I think about my grandparents during WW2They told me stories of them receiving rations of food. Right now I’m not only being creative with entertaining my daughter, but being creative on what we eat, from what we have, and how to make it stretch.
As far as parenting, like I said get creative.when I was a little girl, I remember helping my mother make piecrust. We didn’t necessarily have feelings for the pie but we would put cinnamon and sugar on the pie crust and bake it and we would eat it as a snack. When my children were young I read a lot of Dr. Seuss. One of our favorite things to do was to read Green Eggs and Ham and make green food. This took some effort. Sometimes I didn’t have food coloring and I would just use spinach cooked into the eggs.”
Hearing Joan Speak of the struggles her and her daughter are working through, the joys of loving her child, and doing everything she can to help her child be happy, delighted my heart. When she went on to speak about making piecrust, and green eggs and ham with her family it made me think about babysitting. I’d always make my all time babysitting go to..beanie weenies. Now many of you may not know what beanie weenies are. Beanie weenies, are a can of baked beans with chopped up hotdogs mixed in. Where as my current palate if given the choice, would prefer to eat about anything else, as a child, you could not tell me that wasn’t a gourmet meal.
Joan’s insights really spoke to me. The tangible take away I left from our conversation for our readers was to do what you feel is right for your child and be creative in with that needs to look like.
Hey parents and caregivers…Your doing your best and that is enough.
-Ashley
Here is a YouTube video from a mother speaking on how Yoga is helping her child who has autism.
Nope, nope, I refuse
The audacity of some food. I mean to literally double the amount of regular calories just because I’m seemingly home bound, is ridiculous. What a way to kick someone when their down.
Okay, I digress and take full responsibility for my current reality. Truth is, I’ve been eating food that I don’t even regularly crave. Chips, I would never touch. Popcorn, not eating it unless I have to. So what is happening? I’ll tell you what’s happening, I’m bored. I have cleaned, organized and decluttered and wound up in the kitchen. The struggle is real. And I’m not the only one feeling the bulge. Many have taken to social media concerning this. On Sarah Jakes Roberts’s podcast she went on to say her and her husband got into a bit of an argument over her need of french fries. She said they agreed to go through the drive-through at McDonald’s and get her a large fry. Once they pulled up to the window, the associate handed her the fries without wearing gloves. While her mouth was salivating, her husband told her to throw them away. And concern for her safety considering the virus she listed but made it clear that they were going to go to a different location we’re gloves were being used. In concern for her safety considering the virus she listed but made it clear that they were going to go to a different location we’re gloves were being used.
As funny as this is a lot of other families are sharing the same experience and concern. With children being home, many are deciding to make cookies, cupcakes, and really good home cooked meals. And many are finding it hard to refuse the kind and inviting gestures, and menacing calories.
I encourage all of us, myself included, to really try to be intentional with this time. Use this time to learn a new skill, start that business you've wanted, start that YouTube channel or podcast, learn about meal prepping, learn about budgeting and focus on healing traumas. And rest, sometimes that is the most productive thing you can do.
Hiding the box of cookies from myself,
-Ashley
If you are into or curious about essential oils, try this blend
Let us know if you try it.
Your not alone
With the death toll rising and those affected going more and more days without symptoms. This is getting scary. Please continue to wash your hands, not touch your face and cover any coughs. Stay at home as much as possible. You are not alone and we will come out of this.
For an educational nugget for today…
Aaron Roberts is a Learning Experience Designer from Ohio. He speaks about the importance of creating a routine, and co-building learning experiences. He goes on to speak about more resources and engaging in tapping into your child’s imagination.
Check out the article below..
https://www.learningpersonalized.com/5-tips-for-families-as-they-transition-to-home-learning/
For parents and caregivers of children with learning and behavior needs, I have some more resources for you…
Check out this article that speaks to homeschooling and the benefits the child can reap. The article lists children being able to have less distractions and take their time on their school work, as bonuses to schooling at home. The article has some good takeaways for pre, current and post pandemic student needs.
Article below..
Your Amazing..
No really, you are. Even the fact that you are reading these words right now means something. It means you are using your resources and finding information. I applaud you.
“Snow would be so cool to have in April in Omaha.”
-No one ever
That was so weird right? Snow really? I’m over it. We will forge onward. Concerning weather, prior to the snow, we had some pretty nice weather. More spring and summer weather will come. On those days, go outside. My son rode his bike, while I got some steps in. I never found that box of cookies I hid from myself. Go figure. When you go outside let the sun hit your skin and dance on your melanin. Maybe pack a lunch and eat on your lawn or front step. Perhaps the children can write with chalk while you blow some bubbles in the air for them.
With holidays in mind, many are trying to find ways to celebrate without gathering. I found an app for kids called Minno. Minno allows children to read bible stories and listen to worship music. For those who miss going to a physical building to worship, keep in mind that many churches are offered gifts streaming of bible studies and church services.
CHURCH AT HOME FOR KIDS
For those who pre-COVID 19 worship outside of a church, many are using this time to go inward and deepen prayer and meditation practices.
The article below speaks to reinvinting how we chose to celebrate our holidays.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/dining/holidays-coronavirus.html
Moms are the best…
This site is made by a mom who is a NASA scientist and has a huge passion for education.
A clip from her introduction:
” Aurora here. I am a mechanical engineer, university instructor, pilot, astronomer, and busy mom of four. I have taught science classes and workshops to over ten thousand kids since 1999.”
A dear friend of mine let me know about her after her and her family used some of the programs. Check out the link below.
https://www.superchargedschool.com/
Make science fun
Encouragement: noun (From Oxford)
the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.
Just breath. One breath in, hold for 3 seconds. Exhale for 3 seconds. That felt good, right? I decided to take a couple more breaths following this pattern. I made myself a cup of tea, and looked out my window. I saw the strangest thing. I saw a squirrel, chasing a bird. I couldn’t for the life of my understand why the bird, wouldn’t just fly away from the squirrel. I watched long enough to wonder if the bird was crazy for not flying away, or if I’m crazy to find this entertaining. It wasn’t until I went on a walk later and spoke to my neighbor, that I was able to understand what was happening. I started to share the story of the shenanigans of the squirrel and the bird. My neighbor is a true outdoors man, he went on to tell me why the animals were acting this way. He said that the bird din’t fly away because the bird was establishing it’s territory. If he would have let the squirrel run her away, she wouldn't be able build her nest and protect her eggs in that area.
I liked this explanation. Not because I have a love of squirrels or birds, but because there is truth there. Instead of thinking about the squirrel potentially hurting the bird, or the bird hurting the squirrel, what about the joy they both can have in sharing the environment.
Is there anything you want to create, but delay or deter your efforts because it could go wrong? I know I have. What if we focused on what could be gained instead of lost?…
Looks like an Instagramer was thinking the same thing. I found the post below and thought it partnered well with my this message.
Be encouraged,
-Ashley
Don’t fear
Autism support for caregivers
I came across this website in search of additional resources for you all. Maria Davis-Pierre is the Founder and CEO of Autism in Black Inc. Her organization focuses on advocacy and reducing the stigma associated with the Autism diagnosis in the black community. She even has a podcast and a free workbook. She is holding a webinar on April 15th at 8:00 pm EST.
Check out the event info below:
https://www.autisminblack.org/
MEET mARIA
Event
Event includes
Current mood: Completely unbothered
-Ashley
When all of this over, I mean really over. I’m traveling. ASAP. I’ve started visualizing it already. Someone else was thing the same exact thing…
Unbothered
Emotional intimacy > Social distancing
There are many people struggling right now with social distancing. Missing high-fives and hugs from their family and friends. It can really be tough. Although manny of you that may be reading this have children, it can be helpful to have meaningful conversations with adults. Remember to reach out to those you love. Say hello and check on your loved ones.
You might catch yourself laughing at old memories with your family over a Zoom call, or simple phone call. This could also be the time to start talking about issues and traumas that had previously been put off. You can be the bigger person, and reach out. You never know what healing I could do.
Here is an article from Psychology Today that goes into detail about the importance of staying connected while social distancing.
Parent and caregivers are not always women….Here’s one for you fathers
I am always looking for engaging, positive and healthy material for my son to watch. He has enjoyed one particular YouTube channel the most. I’d like to introduce you all to a channel entitled, Beleaf In Fatherhood. His material are always of a deeper nature and he enjoys the triumphs and lessons of being a parent. He homeschooled his children and recorded his day for his viewers. Check him and his family out. Link here: https://youtu.be/2SbXAOo-xNQ
Beleaf in fatherhood and his family
Regression in children
Children process information differently than adults. Adults are able to say what they feel and why, where children are not always able to vocalize what may be bothering them. Depending on the child’s age, developmental state and what has been modeled in their lives thus far, this will differ from child to child.
As it relates to COVID 19, be patient with children as they get familiar to the change of routine and lack of time with their friends. In an article that focuses on being aware of how children might be processing this time, Psychology Today had an article concerning this.
Link below:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/zero-six/202004/regression-in-the-time-coronavirus
“Teaching our children often becomes an education for us too, a sanctification of our own hearts.”
Many cities around the world are already under stay-at-home orders. With children home, Clarissa Moll was elated to spend extra time with her children. As excited as she was, she speaks about the reality of the role.
She talks about discovering her lack of patience, stubbornness and her fragile ego. As she writes, she goes on say how this has impacted her spiritual journey.
Check out her article below:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/sanctification-homeschooling/
What now? And other implications
After the pandemic of COVID 19 is over (It will be over one day), are we all going to go back to living the way we were before? I mean for those who always recycle, eat to live and not live to eat, and who are committed to their families and communities, I am happy yo will be able to resume where you were. For others, this can really provide an opportunity that I hope is not missed. An oppurtunity to see what we can do better, how we can be better, live better.
Psychology Today’s Daren J. Edwards Ph. D., says global disasters usually bring about three clear things:
1.Greater intolerance
2. Greater collaboration
3. Governmental shock reaction
A good read that ask the question, what now?
Check link below:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psychology-in-society/202004/developing-healthy-relationship-society-and-humanity
Home work, Projects, and Zoom calls, oh my!
Recently I’ve been in connection with some teachers in our community. I asked David and Amanda to please provide us with some tools, here’s what they’ve had to say…
Q: What is your full name, school and grade level you teach at, The name and location of your personal business, What led you into teaching, and one fun fact about yourself.
A: My name is David Stevens and teach 9 - 12 English and journalism (yearbook/newspaper) at Scribner-Snyder Community School. This is my seventh year teaching at SSCS. We are an extremely small district north of Fremont with 1-1 laptops (middle school and up).
I didn't know I was going to be a teacher until I went on a foreign exchange trip to Japan for a few weeks. In between the sightseeing and adventures, I really enjoyed teaching English to the students.
Q: What advice would you give parents and caregivers that are trying to work from home as well as teach their children?
A:I don't have any children of my own, so I don't have any firsthand experience with this.
However, I do know that most students thrive better when provided structure. When they go from a structured environment like a school setting to online learning, there can be several problems! I suggest that parents set up a schedule for school work and to also set aside space for virtual meetings. There could be times when more than one person in the household has a Zoom meeting, so it is best for each person to have their own "work area" or quiet space away from distractions. Being flexible and understanding would be the best advice I could give. This is learning a process for everyone involved and it might take a while for everyone to get back to a cohesive rhythm.
Q: What advice would you have for parents and caregivers, specifically parents of students that benefit from learning and behavioral assistance during this time?
A: I would tell parents to follow support and resources provided by their school. If their children require special education services, contact special education staff frequently. Keep in tough with classroom teachers regularly and routinely. It seems that each district is operating differently in these unprecedented times; so it is really important for parents to directly find out how their school is operating.
Q: When it comes to routines, is it best for parents and caregivers to adapt to what routine their child was accustomed to at school, or adept a whole new one at home?
A: As an educator, I think it would be difficult for any teacher to create an online classroom that followed the same routines that were followed at school. Personally, I am doing the same types of material that my students are accustomed to, but the delivery is still very different.
Since parents may not be aware of the traditional routine at school, I think it would be best to create new routines and structures at home.
Q: Any books, resource links that would aid our readers and listeners.
A: Understood.org, KahnAcademy, NoRedInk, Vocabulary.com, Quill.org, Quizlet and Quia
Here is what Amanda said….
Hello Ashley,
Below are some programs I've been using and connecting my families with. I've included brief explanations of what is offered and links, along with some of my own opinions about the resource. The 2 ongoing everyday supports are listed first, and the others are more general information or things that can be consulted or explored according to topic and parent interest. If I come across more that seem like they would be useful to parents, I'll send them along.
Thank you for your work connecting the community with resources and information!
Warmth and solidarity,
-Amanda
Helpful descriptions and links below:
"Healthy at Home" from Ready Rosie (partnered with Teaching Strategies): weekly plans for activities and short videos to demonstrate. Explanations and ways to adjust the activities depending on skill level and age. Available in English and Spanish.
Pop-up Early Learning from Cox Campus: Cox Campus is offering at home learning guidance with "courses" in either preschool or infant/toddler age groups. These include a unit per week, with 5 days of virtual learning (read alouds, songs, and activities) with step by step guidance. Parents sign up for a free account to access Pop-up Early Learning, and can also access other Cox Campus video learning, which I highly recommend.
Conscious Discipline website: there is quite a lot to sort through on this site, but the link is to a shortened 20 minute version of the research-based program on brain development and emotional responses. The idea behind Conscious Discipline is that discipline is something we want to build WITHIN children (instead of something we do TO children). it sometimes sounds a little bit "magical" or too "sciency", but I've actually seen some of these things work with 2 year olds. Even small amounts of attitude shifts can make a difference. Parents don't have to do all of this all of the time, but if they can find a few things they can shift to help their children (and themselves) get through struggles, it's worth the 20 minute watch. (taking note of the specific actions while watching is encouraged). There are also other videos for parents listed on the right side of the page. https://consciousdiscipline.com/e-learning/webinars/parent-cliff-notes-for-the-skills-of-conscious-discipline/
Nebraska Early Leaning Guidelines Birth to Five: This is a copy of the Nebraska Department of Education's guidelines for early education. I think it is a helpful introduction to early education that can give parents and other family members a clearer idea of what types of activities and learning support learning at different age levels.
There is a lot of introductory information early on, but you can skip to the color-coded charts for lists of typical skills, behaviors, and ways to support children's learning at each age from birth to 5 years old (a guide on how to read the charts is on page 21 of both versions linked below.
in English: https://cdn.education.ne.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ELG-PDF.pdf
in Spanish: https://cdn.education.ne.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ELG-Spanish-PDF.pdf
5. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): NAEYC is an advocacy organization for early learning, and they have articles on learning, development, and parenting.
https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/for-families
6. ParentPal app from Teaching Strategies: free trial through June 30. a way to track milestones, and offers simple tools (activity instructions, daily "roadmap") to help parents provide developmentally appropriate learning. need an apple product to use.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/parentpal-my-parenting-expert/id1503751071
Sometimes, you just have to pray!
Times are hard, let’s support one another
Everyone is not experiencing the same COVID 19. Some people are not looking up new recipes, and on Pinterest starting craft projects. Although these things are fun and delightful, many simply do not have the time; nor the money to participate.
For those who are in this boat, and are doing the best you can to care for and feed your families, pay your mortgage or rent, and care for yourself, I understand. Take one day at a time. Be kind to yourself. Spend time everyday acknowledging the work you are putting in. Take breaks during the day to break up working from home. If you are in the job market applying, know there are many looking for jobs as well. Take one application at a time. Take breaks during your job searching.
For parents and caregivers, please take care of yourselves. I know it can be hard but we truly can only offer our best to our love ones, when we take care of ourselves. I’m a big proponent of drinking tea. It is perhaps one of the most economical ways to do something kind for yourself. Drinking a nice hot cup of tea, encourages you to take your time. Inviting you to take in each note that the tea brings to your nose. If you’re not much into tea, taking 10 to 15 minutes to deep breath and stretch your body can be extremely beneficial. Moving your body in general can relieve stress, and release endorphins which is the happy chemical in our brains. So put on your favorite song and dance. Or maybe take some time to jump around with your children and have some fun making Tik Tok videos.
If you are in need food here is a list of pantries from Open Door Mission. (See photo). If you or another you know are experiencing abuse, you don’t have to suffer. Call 911 for help. Also reach out to Women’s Center for Advancement at 402-345-6555, as well as 100 Black Men Omaha Inc at 402-934-7065.
Hang in there,
-Ashley
Home stretch
Congrats Seniors!!
NOISE would like to congratulate the class of 2020!