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Easter will be both the same and different

Easter has traditionally been associated with fun, egg hunts, and family gatherings. Some things will be different this year, and some will stay the same. There will still be joy, egg hunts and chocolate!   Families will still share food and gather at the table – but it will be on a smaller scale and the table will only include those who are living in the house.  With so many people baking and cooking their way though self-isolation there is sure to be some fabulous meals ahead for us this Easter – but this year we will not need the extra leaf at the table.  We will still gather, but many of our interactions will be through phone calls and digital platforms.

As COVID-19 is sweeping the world working from home has become the new norm for many.  We are all facing new challenges and financial constraints as we quickly try to adapt to the changing workplace – and the changing world.  Many people have lost their jobs and those that still have their jobs are dealing with the dichotomy of feeling gratitude and overwhelm at the same time.  It is difficult to change, and the routines in which we used to find comfort have been turned upside down.  Many of us who never wanted or expected to work from home are now experiencing the daunting learning curve of remote work. For many this may be their first time working from home in long stretches, and even those who are familiar with working from home are now dealing with the new reality of 24/7 social distancing.

As self isolation becomes a reality for many of us, we are finding ourselves in long-term close quarters with our family and loved ones.  Many of us used to complain we did not get enough time with those we love, and now we have that opportunity in abundance.   Who better to be close to than our loved ones, and what better place to be together than the comfort of our own homes?  Well, this much togetherness combined with an acutely stressful period in human history can make for some challenges as well as gifts. 

Here are some tips on how to mange your relationship and family time during the COVID-19 crisis.

The coronavirus has just been declared a pandemic by the World Heath Organization, meaning that it is likely to spread to all countries in the world. This does not mean we give up on efforts to contain it, but rather we need to continue to support public health interventions that can limit the spread of the virus even where it is transmitting on this scale. The news and social media are constantly updating on developments pertaining to the coronavirus. The anxiety surrounding the coronavirus is high in the world right now, and this anxiety can become overwhelming to our children who are witnessing this alarming situation. No matter what age or stage it is important to connect with your children and have conversations about the coronavirus.

Here are some tips on how to manage these conversations.

September is the “New Year” for most children and youth as they enter the school year.  Here are some tips for parents on how to deal with “Stresstember” and how parents can support children/teens in dealing with the back to school anxiety/reality.