A pandemic can be a very stressful time for youth, families and communities. It is a time when people may respond with an increased sense of stress and anxiety.
This is the time to reach out, stay connected, lean on one another, and seek support. Kinark recommends the following resources to help our clients, families, and communities.
As a reminder, Kinark’s sites are by appointment only. We are providing in-person and virtual services. Please call the number associated with your local Kinark office. If you are on Kinark’s waitlist for child and youth mental health services and unsure which office to contact, call 1-888-454-6275.
The Benefits of Vaccinating Children
Kinark held webinars about the benefits of vaccinating children to protect them against COVID-19 for parents/caregivers of children aged five to 11. Below is a link to a recording of the webinar and links to reputable resources for more information.
Trusted sources for information:
Expert Advice for Child and Youth Mental Health
Children’s Mental Health Ontario has shared expert advice to support children and youth mental health during the winter months: Ready to take on Winter – Expert Advice for Child and Youth Mental Health
COVID-19 Government Updates
Federal Government COVID-19 Update
This website provides the most up-to-date information on how the Government of Canada is responding to COVID-19:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
Provincial Government COVID-19 Update
This website provides the most up-to-date information on how the province is responding to COVID-19:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
Child and Youth Mental Health Resources
How to Talk to Children About COVID-19
This article helps parents understand how to communicate with their children about COVID-19 to reduce worry and anxiety:
https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/
How Parents Can Support Young Children
This article provides parents with tips on how to nurture and protect their children at home:
https://childmind.org/article/supporting-kids-during-the-covid-19-crisis/
https://vimeo.com/channels/1547281
How Parents can Support Teenagers and Young Adults
This article provides parents with some tips on how support the teenagers and young adults in their life:
https://childmind.org/article/supporting-teenagers-and-young-adults-during-the-coronavirus-crisis/
How To Cope with Anxiety and Stress
This article helps to understand what stress and anxiety is, what it can look like and what we can do if we are experiencing it for ourselves or our family members:
https://kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/how-cope-panic-and-anxiety/
Tension Release Exercise
How you can help your body to feel less stress and anxious:
https://kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/tension-release-exercise/
12 Instant Stress Busters
Try these tips to help you manage stress and anxiety in the moment:
https://kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/12-instant-stress-busters
Breathing Exercises
Learn how to use your breath to help you feel calmer and less stressed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmJNbTR7d_s (background info)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEZ8saVbC_A (breathe in and out with square)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54EcTJSTP64 (breathe in and out on tone)
http://youtu.be/_mZbzDOpylA (video with Elmo, Collbie Callet and Common the Rapper)
How to Cope with Feeling sad, lonely, or depressed
This article helps to understand what depression is, what it can look like and what we can do if we are experiencing it for ourselves or our family members:
https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=19&language=English
How to Cope with Depression during Covid-19
Ways to help you manage feeling sad, lonely or depressed.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/joyful-parenting/202003/behavioral-activation-prevent-depression-during-covid-19
https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/COVID-19
How to Respond to Suicide
If you are worried about a loved one or you are experiencing thoughts of harming oneself, here are things you can do help:
https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=290&language=English
How to Help Youth Manage Emotions
When your child’s emotions get too big, here are some ways to help calm down:
https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=293&language=English&hub=mentalhealth
Body Scan Meditation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZdw6wm3A3E
Mindfulness
How a mindfulness practice can help kids become less anxious and more focused during times of stress.
https://childmind.org/article/how-mindfulness-can-help-during-covid-19/
The following are a list of different ways you/your child can practice mindfulness:
5 Minute Mindful Listening for Kids – Mind Exercise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d66ViTvGNY
Mindfulness Exercises for Kids: Still Quiet Place
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIJn5XhqPN8
25 Mindfulness Activities for Children and Teens
https://positivepsychology.com/mindfulness-for-children-kids-activities/
Calming Down When Stressed
https://kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/how-calm-down-when-youre-stressed/
Mindfulness Everyday
https://www.youtube.com/user/Aboutkidshealth/search?query=mindfulness
Resources for Parents of Children with Autism
How to explain a global health pandemic to children with ASD
This article provides parents with tips on how to communicate information about Covid-19 to children with autism spectrum disorders including: creating routines, using child-friendly language, and visual supports.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/neuroscience-in-translation/202003/how-explain-global-health-crisis-children-autism
Information Booklet on supporting individuals with autism through uncertain times
This resource provides tips for parents on how to support their children through uncertain times, as well as links to educational apps, resources, and schedules.
https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/sites/afirm.fpg.unc.edu/files/covid-resources/Supporting%20Individuals%20with%20Autism%20through%20Uncertian%20Times%20Full%20Packet.pdf
Autism Speaks Canada COVID-19 Supports and Resources
This resource provides information for parents on caring for themselves and their children with autism during the pandemic.
https://www.autismspeaks.ca/media-request-contact-us/news/news-press-releases/covid-19-information-and-resources/
CBC News – Tips on supporting children with autism at home during the COVID-19 pandemic
This resources shares tips for creating routines and structure for children with autism while at home during the pandemic.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/london-tips-parents-children-autusm-covid19-1.5510273
Social Stories and Visual Resources
Explaining the coronavirus to children with autism
This social story uses visuals and text to explain (in child-friendly language) what the coronavirus is, and how to remain safe and healthy while staying home.
https://littlepuddins.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/The-Corona-Virus-Free-Printable-Updated-2-The-Autism-Educator-.pdf
#HeretohelpON
The video was created remotely by leaders of essential services from across Ontario, including children’s mental health, police services, the violence against women sector, and Kids Help Phone as well as our partners in government. The message is that while it may seem as though the entire world has paused, Children’s Aid Societies, Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agencies and many more service providers are here and ready to help.