Sharon Salzberg is a New York Times Best selling author and teacher of meditation. She co-founded the Insight Meditation Society at Barre, Massachusetts with Jack Kornfield and Joseph Goldstein. Sharon is offering a variety of online resources to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most all offerings are free, but some require registration to participate in.

LFY works to support all children and teens in the development of strong inner resources. Their goal is to help kids, and the adults who care for them, thrive in the world regardless of circumstances, and navigate the many challenges they face with a sense of personal power and self-awareness.

NYT Bestselling author Julie Lythcott-Haimes (How to Raise An Adult) put together a webinar called “10 Tips for Parents on Sheltering in Place Without Losing Your Mind,” with special guest NYT bestselling author Debbie Reber (Differently Wired).

New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH)

The outbreak of COVID-19 around the world has led to the spread of fear and panic for individuals and communities. In addition to following physical precautions guidelines, individuals should be taking care of their psychological well-being.

This guide includes tips for the following populations:

For Everyone

For Individuals Receiving Mental Health Services

For Parents, Including Parents of Children w/ Pre-Existing Anxiety Disorders

For Caregivers of Older Adults

For Mental Health Providers

The guide is also available in the following languages.

The National Association of School Psychologists also offers guidance for caregivers, called Care for Caregivers: Tips for Families and Educators. Parents, teachers, and other caregivers play a critical role in helping children cope with crises, often ignoring their own needs in the process. However, caregivers must take good care of themselves, so they are able to take good care of the children in their charge.

The New York State School Social Workers’ Association offers a compilation of Coronavirus School Response Resources specific to school social workers, resources specific to New York, resources for children and parents, articles and websites.

DCMH Information, Support and Referral line at (914) 995-1900 8 a.m. to 8 p.m./Text #914-461-7281.

Behavioral Health Crisis Prevention and Response Team (Available for psychiatric emergencies).

On-going educational and supportive services on such topics as coping, addressing anxiety, parenting through this difficult time, and mindfulness exercises through various telecommunication.

Psychological response to targeted groups as needed.

Peer-to-Peer Support through DCMH provider network.

Access to counseling and other supportive services through provider network and pro bono clinicians.

Services and supports to targeted populations such as parents, teens, seniors, health care workers, first responders, LBGTQ communities and those with pre-existing mental health or substance use conditions.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all County employees and contracted municipalities 995-6070 or email pkj1@westchestergov.com.

New York State Department of Health

Watching and listening to very bad news reports can upset children. Parents, caregivers, teachers, and healthcare providers can do alot to help children feel safer and less stressed.Turning off theTV and other screens isa good start. News coverage of tragic events is not healthy for kids.

At this time, information about COVID-19 is rapidly evolving as new details are confirmed and new questions emerge. In the event of an outbreak in your community, as a parent/caregiver, your first concern is about how to protect and take care of your children and family. Knowing important information about the outbreak and learning how to be prepared can reduce your stress and help calm likely anxieties. This guide will help you think about how an infectious disease outbreak might affect your family—both physically and emotionally—and what you can do to help your family cope.

Free weekly live streamed parenting groups, led by WJCS professionals in partnership with the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health, will be offered each Wednesday, starting April 1st, at 11 a.m. to explore various topics and challenges relating to how to cope with the “here and now.” Subjects discussed will include: how to manage stress, build structure, communicate better, and have fun while being and, in many cases, working at home with our children.

Help your child build resilience in the face of obstacles

Important tips for parents and other caregivers.

The fact sheet Talking with Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services-Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides parents, caregivers, and teachers with strategies for helping children manage their stress during an infectious disease outbreak. It describes potential reactions among youth and the support adults can provide to help them.