During this surreal and deeply unsettling time brought on by the COVID-19 virus and what essentially amounts to the shutting down of the entire world, I want to let you know that our thoughts are with each of you in the Network: parents, pediatric providers, family members, siblings, and all the vulnerable children living with serious illness.
To help lighten the load even a tiny bit, we are working on some additional virtual programming to keep your family and yourself well and strong. You can do it. And we are here to help.
Most immediately, we direct you to these heartfelt CPN videos for guided meditation and gentle yoga in the home. My daughters and I have started doing 30 minutes every morning to help us keep our acts together.
CPN Mom Sandy Clancy leads a powerful and restful yoga sequence
A guided meditation from instructor Ben McLellan
Gentle Yoga Sequence with Ben McLellan
Some blogs and articles to help you along the way.
Walks outside are also antidotes that never fail, and a good podcast can be a helpful companion. (Yes, you deserve the time. Find someone to watch your child and give yourself a break.) Here are a few non-CPN podcasts we recommend to remind you that you have within you all that you need to cope.
Ross Gay: Tending Joy and Practicing Delight
Brené Brown: Strong Back, Soft Front, Wild Heart
Joan Halifax: Buoyancy Rather Than Burnout in Our Lives
Here are some articles on talking to children which we hope will provide some guidance if as you parent all your children.
How to talk with children about Corona
Five Ways to Help Teens Manage Anxiety About Corona Virus
Information about Covid-19 and children or chronic illness
COVID-19: Information for Families of Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs
AAP information for families on Corona Virus
Family Voices March information
A chronic illness patient’s guide to coronavirus