Now more than ever, it is important for parents and caregivers to stay connected to family, friends, and professional helpers to continue to build resilient kids and families. In partnership with Kentucky Children’s Hospital and Kentucky Safety and Prevention Alignment Network (KSPAN), Face It has developed the CONNECT brochure with accompanying resources, which provides helpful reminders for ways to stay connected throughout life’s ups and downs.

Call for Help

Parenting is tough. We can all use a helping hand sometimes. Reach out for help when you or your family needs it.

Offer One-on-One Opportunities 

Schedule one-on-one time with each of your children – if only for 5-10 minutes each day where the focus is on that one child. During this time read a book together before bed, toss a ball in the yard, or do a favorite activity together. Make the time to play or exercise with each child. Normalize that it’s ok to not be happy all the time. Help your child take note of the times that you and your family are happy by writing down a few things they’re thankful for every day.

Check out these ideas for educational and family-fun activities with your kids:

Navigate your Networks

Use community resources like schools, libraries, neighbors, and more to connect to people and places that can provide support to your family. Many are available through online platforms!

–Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the Commonwealth
-Public libraries offer family and child activities for all ages, educational support, job and resume building activities, all things that can support your family. Find your local library.
–Family Youth Resource Service Centers can be a central hub of resources within your child’s school, whether school is in session or not. You can call your child’s school to speak with the director of the Resource Center.
-Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky (PCAK) offers free background checks for Kentucky caregivers seeking babysitters or nannies.

Notice Triggers, Take Breaks, and Know When Things are Escalating

Learn which behaviors, actions, and words that might help you identify your child’s impending meltdown or tantrum. Remember, children and teens react (in part) based on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers are calm, they can provide the best support for their children in difficult or unfavorable situations.

Eat Together

Family meals naturally create opportunities for sharing about the day, catching up, and discussing highlights and struggles. Get your kids involved in preparing meals with you, not just eating the meals you prepare. Cooking together can bring a family together and create lasting memories.

–7 Unexpected Benefits of Eating Together as a Family, According to Science
-The Family Dinner Project
–Conversation Starters for Family Dinners
–How to Beat Tension and Conflict from Your Family Dinner

Care for Yourself

Caregivers cannot pour from an empty cup, so it is important to take care of yourself, too. Practice self-care, which comes in a variety of forms and can take just five minutes a day. Listen to your favorite song, read, meditate, journal, practice breathing exercises, or enjoy a favorite activity. When we can take time to care for ourselves, we are in our best form to care for those we love.

Take Time to Talk

Go for a walk or take time after dinner to catch up with your family. Talk with your child about their friendships, what they enjoy doing, and what they want to do when they grow up. Instead of asking questions like, “How was your day?” (which may get you a one-word response), try questions like: “What was your favorite part of today?”, “What did you like least about today?”, “What is a part of today you would like to do again?”, “Would you like to have a do-over for any part of today?”

–Age by age guide to getting your kids to talk to you
–Talking to Kids about the Coronavirus Crisis
–Five Ways to Talk to Your Kids So They Feel Loved