The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. It is quickly becoming a pervasive force and as we collectively work to minimize the effects, spending time at home is inevitable.
Below is a list of resources to help you and your family successfully manage physical and mental health as we navigate a new normal:
- Stay informed with the latest information regarding COVID-19, updates from the Center of Disease Control and what Michigan is doing to combat the pandemic, by visiting Michigan.gov/coronavirus.
- Michigan Department of Education has launched an online map to help families find locations where meals are being provided during this period of school closure. The map will be updated twice daily.
- Teach your kids the importance of hand washing with this fun and interesting science experiment provided by C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. All you need are three slices of bread and three resealable bags.
- Completely free of charge, Comcast is offering Xfinity WiFi through Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country. This also applies to non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. Click for a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots.
- Need help talking to kids about Coronavirus? The National Association of School Psychologists offers parent resource to teach children positive preventative measures and how to give them a sense of control to help reduce anxiety.
- Kids often learn most effectively through play. NPR provides a comic book story to explain the intricacies of COVID-19 to children. Click for a printable version, including directions to fold into a booklet.
- While it is important to be cautious by practicing social distancing, we must take care of our mental health too. The Common Ground Crisis Line is available to those who are dealing with anxiety and/or trauma, providing free confidential counseling services reachable by phone, text or chat.
- Every day, Detroit Public Television is posting educational resources to help parents keep their young children engaged.
- For students ages Pre-K through the end of high school and beyond, Khan Academy provides free, quality online curriculum in all major subjects. They even offer free online SAT prep. Kids can work at their own pace, and parents can log in and track their progress.
- Friendship Circle has launched an interactive activity room via Facebook Live or a Zoom Video Chat. Children and adults can participate in yoga sessions, dance parties, food demos and more!
- Take the kids on a digital field trip to the Detroit Zoo! You can live-stream various exhibits and access educational content. Transport yourselves with one click!
- What travel ban? Google Arts & Culture virtually connects you to more than 1,200 museums around the world! Visit the British Museum in London today, then the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum tomorrow.
- Kids thrive on routine and rules. Manage the unpredictability of each day with a productive schedule to keep you and your kids set up for success. Design your day with the help of Neuropsychology & Education Services for Children & Adolescents.
- Help your family build healthy minds, bodies and spirits by participating in virtual workouts offered on-demand for YMCA members.
- To maintain your social life, Netflix has created a virtual viewing party so you can have a long-distance movie night with all your favorite people. Get started at netflixparty.com.
