We've had access to the wisdom and advice of the fantastic practitioners who’ve joined us online this week. I recall a moment of clarity when one articulated what it is we're experiencing. Grief. We have suffered a collective loss on many levels, and the whole world is feeling the stages of grief. We each miss our usual way of life, and we miss each other. What we're feeling is ok. It's ok to be sad, afraid, nostalgic, angry, confused, and even happy. There's no blueprint for this. 

By now, you may have reached the final stage of grief, which is acceptance. Understanding that this is the way of life for the next while, figuring out what works for you and your family, and even finding silver linings in unexpected places. Through the awkward homeschooling, endless cooking and cleaning (seriously, what is up with that?), and the hilarity of finding 'balance' right now, I have begun to find beauty in imperfection. So, I challenge you to try the same. We won't manage it every day, and you may not be there yet, but even the tiniest move in a positive direction is a big win. Celebrate those wins often and don't hold back, you deserve it. 

Sincerely,

Claire

P.S. We’re sending a special ‘thank-you’ to all of our frontline healthcare workers and researchers, and to those making it possible for us to have the supplies and resources we need to take care of our families. The world is a better place because of you, and we are eternally grateful for your sacrifice. 

Virtual events

This week’s Webinar with Health Nexus: 

Join us for an informative webinar and learn how to work with your children at home and/or find some time to get your own work done.

Margaret Boersma, from Creative Education in Action, works as a teacher trainer, speaker and educational consultant in a number of countries. She will be a guest on Setting up a Positive Home Learning Environment to give you insights and practical ideas to support your children in their learning while at home. She will also announce some practical help coming soon to directly support you and your children on-line.

WHEN: Wednesday 1:00 – 1:45 PM EDT

REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1425578804066433550

WHY:

Parents need support; children need to learn.

• Destressing when work, parenting and teaching is all on you

• How children learn

• Setting up positive learning environments

• Learning through the arts is fun

• Social and emotional learning – taking care of self and contributing to others

Weekly Parent Connection Online Thursday, April 9th 11AM EDT

Calling all parents. Join Heather Boyd, for weekly online meetings to discuss parenting, discipline, child development and attachment in these novel times.  This is very kid-friendly! If you need to tune in with your children you can - we will love seeing them! Register here 

Mobile Meetup Friday, April 3rd at 3:30AM EDT
Are you feeling Isolated? Join us along with Emily Pollak and other parents for an online chat. Think of it as a coffee date, but from the comfort of your own home, or comfortable space. Grab a cup of tea or coffee, and log in to the video chat with other parents in a casual atmosphere. Register here 

Mommy & Me Fitness Online ONGOING

It doesn't matter if you are 6 weeks, 6 months or 6 years postpartum - this workout is for you! Register here. 

Missed a virtual event? See last week’s videos below

Why Focusing on Your Sleep During COVID-19 is Important with Alanna McGinn: Watch the video here. 

Understanding the COVID-19 Stimulus package with Adrian Drew: Watch the video here. 

Parenting Through the Storm with Ann Douglas: Watch the video here

Managing Anxiety: Watch the video here

Having a Baby during COVID-19 - What to expect: Watch the video here

Parent S.O.S

You’ve probably either settled into some kind of routine or decided to abandon all normalcy.  There is a third option which lands somewhere in between. Either way, we’re pretty sure finding ways to relax, unwind, or regain some semblance of me-time is a top need. This week, we searched for ways to help you do just that. 

• If you maybe it feels like you’re not doing enough, we’re just gonna slide this NY Times article ‘Stop Trying to be Productive’ across the proverbial table. Worth the read. 

• Frazzled? Silly question? Same. Turn this aptly-named ‘Balm for Corona Anxiety” Spotify playlist up in your earbuds for instant relaxation. 

• Meditation is a skill you can learn, and having help makes it much easier to avoid thinking about your grocery list instead. UCLA Health has a series of free mindfulness meditation exercises you can do on your own. Find links here, or download the UCLA Mindfulness App on itunes or Google Play. 

• This is technically for the kids, but also totally for you. Audible has made all children’s books free to stream as long as schools are closed. Enjoy them together or let them enjoy while you enjoy something….else.

This One’s For the Kids 

• The beloved folks at Dictionary.com have created a free program offering daily ELA Learning activities for Preschoolers and Kindergarteners. Lots of other goodies on the site as well. Enjoy! 

• We gave you the wrong link last week , so let’s try this again! - Math, but make it fun! Cool Math Games disguises math learning for every age and stage with truly fun video games! 

• Lunch Lady’s Jarrett J. Krosoczka hosts ‘Draw Everyday with JJK’, a basic illustration lesson every weekday at 2pm EST on YouTube. These are a bit more nitty gritty, as JJK, the kid who loved to draw and grew up to be an artist, shares practical tips on penciling, inking, and drawing faces. Bonus - JJK is the author and illustrator of the Star Wars Jedi Academy series, so get ready to perfect your Yoda. Find the full playlist of video lessons here. 

• For children dependent on specialized routines, the complete change in our daily schedules is especially difficult to navigate. Autism Speaks! Canada has put together resources to help those caring for a child or adult with autism during this disruptive time. 

Just for Fun