During uncertain times, it may be difficult to know what to do or to say to children. As Fred Rogers said, it is your being there that matters most. “Being there” may look different for each caregiver and child and it may look different each day. Here are some considerations as you care for yourself and children. Remember, you know yourself and the children in your life best.

Trust Yourself: Fred Rogers believed that what children need is deep and simple – they need an adult who cares for them, accepts them wholly, and gives them space to wonder. During these times when everything may seem uncertain and ever changing, we can easily get swept up in trying to make every moment “perfect” or “normal.” It is important to remember that even brief, high-quality loving moments with children help to build their sense of trust in you and in themselves.

Honor Solitude: Solitude is important for children and their helpers to understand their inner stories and the world around them. For young children, solitude might mean being near a loved one. Older children may seek aloneness in their room or in another part of the house. As an adult, you may also need some time to yourself and that is ok.

Share Feelings: You and your children may have many feelings in response to the coronavirus. Fred Rogers reminds us that “Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary.” Let your child know that their feelings are always safe with you, whether they are feeling worried, angry, sad, or anything at all.

Talk about Transition: This article shares some helpful ways to talk with children about the uncertainty and how to make space for the feelings heading into this year. : This article shares some helpful ways to talk with children about the uncertainty and how to make space for the feelings heading into this year.

Connect with Others: Finding time to connect with others is so important, even if we cannot be together in person. Children can talk, sing, dance, and play with family and friends on the phone or with an online video tool. Caregivers can also reach out to others to check in, share resources, and encourage one another. Sometimes the world can look so big that it is hard to know where to start to connect with others. It is times like this when the words of Fred Rogers ring true: “The deep and simple is far more essential than the shallow and complex.” Even the simplest acts of kindness, compassion, and empathy are felt so deeply in times of uncertainty.

Learning and Thriving at Home : The Harvard Graduate School of education has compiled resources about thriving at home and creating human connections. On this site, you can listen to Richard Weissburg, a senior lecturer at Harvard GSOE, talk about supporting one another in times of crisis. Click Here to listen.

Reach Out: Thinking of creative ways to reach out and give to others may be another way to connect. Some families are writing cards to healthcare workers or grocery store employees. Others are sending messages to family and friends that they cannot travel to see . You and your children can come up with ideas that you can do together.

Education Now : This initiative from the Harvard Graduate School of Education is a response to the dramatic changes in the field of education in the wake of COVID-19. Dr. Dana Winters and Dr. Junlei Li joined the Education Now webinar series to discuss the power of having at least one caring person, the impact of simple moments, and the reminder that none of us need to be perfect to be helpful to the children around us. Full recording is available Here (2020).

The Fred Rogers Centers’ Dr. Dana Winters and colleagues at UNESCO, Dr. Mark Brennan and Dr. Pat Dolan, wrote a piece published in USA Today. The authors draw on the message of Fred Rogers and remind us that no act of kindness, compassion, and empathy is too small to bring comfort and healing to those around us. Click Here to read.

Prioritize Health & Hygiene: Caring for yourself and your child also includes taking care of our bodies. Showing children how to wash their hands to protect their body from illness and talking about why you are wearing masks to protect others from illness are important lessons for children. You are teaching children the skills to care for themselves and that every single person is valuable. Here are resources about talking to your children about health and hygiene related to coronavirus.

Empower Children: Help your child know that you and the adults in their life are protecting them, and that doctors and nurses and scientists are taking care of people who are sick and working to find ways to keep everyone safe. While children need to know it is not their job to stop or fix the virus, you can empower them to be a helper by washing their hands often and covering their nose and mouth if they cough or sneeze.

Coronavirus Resources for Parents: This is an article written by PBS Kids about how to talk to children about coronavirus. You will find tips for handwashing, covering coughs, and practicing healthy habits.

Zero to Three: This website offers ideas for thinking about self-care during coronavirus.

Consider Mental Health: Mental health is important, especially during challenging times. We can do many things to keep our minds, bodies, and spirits healthy such as connecting with others, playing, spending time outdoors, and limiting our news consumption. Here are some other resources that may be useful for you and your children when considering mental health.

Teletherapy: Many psychologists and counselors are now offering teletherapy and many insurances are covering these services in response to the coronavirus crisis. Counselors can walk you through options (e.g. telephone, computer, etc.) based on your personal preferences and access.

Online Support Groups: Many support groups are continuing online and you can also create your own. Coming together to mediate, pray, or talk with others can provide a sense of connectedness. If you do not belong to such a community consider setting this up with loved ones.