Tag Archive for: children

Self-isolating is a new thing for most of us, but all this distance from one another doesn’t mean we can’t still work to keep our community connections strong. Whether you have time, money or even just a phone, there are big and small ways that you and your children can help others.

Help Your Community

• Only buy what you need, so everyone in your community can get what they need.
• Give to your local food bank. They all need help and contributions, especially those in communities hardest hit by COVID-19.
• Give blood. According to the American Red Cross, there is an urgent need for blood due to the coronavirus outbreak. Find a blood drive near you.

Help Families  

• Shop or run errands for quarantined parents who need to stay home or can’t take their kids out in public areas.
• If your employer allows you to “gift” your sick time, donate some to a coworker who needs to be off to care for themselves or family.
• If you’re a parent who’s home with your kids, consider doing a virtual story hour, featuring celebrities reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. Each celebrity-read story can keep several kids entertained at a time!

Help Small Businesses

• Shop locally wherever you can.
• Buy gift certificates now for your favorite local restaurants and use them later.
• For local cafes, book shops and other small businesses with online shops, give them your business online.

Check on Elderly Neighbors

• Although necessary, social isolation for seniors can be lonely. Text, phone call and email them, especially if they live alone. Send them funny memes or GIFs to cheer them up. Don’t forget about them and make sure they have social support. 
• Offer to pick up and deliver their shopping, treats or other things they might need, while taking precautions to keep yourself safe. Your time and efforts could be a big help to someone needing support.
• Have the kids draw pictures and write letters to local seniors in nursing homes who can’t have visitors at this time.

Share Positive News and Acts of Kindness 

• There are so many examples out there of people helping one another. Share those stories on social media. Talk about those with your friends and family. 
• Spread the word about how you or your family is making a difference to inspire new acts of kindness within your community. 
• Share with each other Tips for Managing Parenthood Overload During Stressful Times.