How are the children in your parish doing? During these past few weeks, as the school year comes to an end and summer vacation looms, we’ve sensed how their worlds are shifting yet again.
So many young people – toddlers to teens – have missed out on so much. Now with camps closed and activities canceled, we wish that none of them would have to miss the simple pleasures of summer – ball games, swimming pools, craft classes, snow cones. And we worry anew about those who could be facing far-worse circumstances.
So many young people – toddlers to teens – have missed out on so much. Now with camps closed and activities canceled, we wish that none of them would have to miss the simple pleasures of summer – ball games, swimming pools, craft classes, snow cones. And we worry anew about those who could be facing far-worse circumstances.
As parents, educators, caregivers and clergy, we wonder what else we can do. The following resources can help:
What to Say to Children about COVID-19
Talking to Children about COVID-19: A Parent Resource.
The National Association of School Psychologists has issued a great set of guidelines for parents and caregivers. Two pages, free to download and share.
Talking with Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks.
This fact sheet from mental health professionals tells how to help children deal with stress during a disease outbreak. The advice is specific by age group, which is especially helpful.
The National Association of School Psychologists has issued a great set of guidelines for parents and caregivers. Two pages, free to download and share.
Talking with Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks.
This fact sheet from mental health professionals tells how to help children deal with stress during a disease outbreak. The advice is specific by age group, which is especially helpful.
More resources for understanding kids’ anxiety.
“Why Kids Love Building Forts – and Why Experts Say They Might Need Them More Than Ever” The Washington Post. Susan C. Margolin. May 18, 2020
“Helping Adolescents Work Through the Rising Tide of Anxiety” Fuller Youth Institute. Rhett Smith.
“Naming Losses and Gratitude with Young People in these Uncertain Days” Fuller Youth Institute. Brad M. Griffin.
“Helping Adolescents Work Through the Rising Tide of Anxiety” Fuller Youth Institute. Rhett Smith.
“Naming Losses and Gratitude with Young People in these Uncertain Days” Fuller Youth Institute. Brad M. Griffin.
How to Have Fun while Keeping Kids Safe
“From Camping to Dining Out: Here’s How Health Experts Rate the Risks of 14 Summer Activities” Small outdoor gatherings: probably okay. Indoors at a restaurant: not so much. This NPR article can help families understand the factors that make a given activity more or less risky.
“How to Get Your Kids to Stay Six Feet Away…From Everything”
“Social distancing is hard, especially for the very young,” says Alex Wilson with The New York Times. Here are ways to get children to wear masks and practice social distancing.
“How to Get Your Kids to Stay Six Feet Away…From Everything”
“Social distancing is hard, especially for the very young,” says Alex Wilson with The New York Times. Here are ways to get children to wear masks and practice social distancing.
Reading to Children About God
“Tucked In: Bedtime Stories and Prayers with Episcopalians and Others” These are lovely. Each Monday, Wednesday and occasional Fridays, on-camera volunteers read Bible and inspirational stories and short bedtime prayers for children. Find them on facebook and tune in with a child at story time.
| “The Very Best Day: The Way of Love for Children” storybook. "The Way of Love" has become a mantra of Michael B. Curry's episcopate as presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. The Very Best Day: The Way of Love for Children introduces the practices for a Jesus-centered life for children ages 3–10 and their families. Through a cadence of words and colorful images, children will see how to Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, and Rest in daily life as a follower of Jesus. Acquiring such wisdom at an early age will benefit children (and the adults who love them) to learn these practices for a lifetime. Find a charming preview on YouTube. |  |
Sunday School and Vacation Bible School Alternatives
The Diocese has recommended that churches refrain from offering Vacation Bible School in their buildings this summer. Several providers have rushed to adapt VBS materials for online, or at-home application.
“A Simpler VBS During COVID Season”
“So many summer opportunities for families have been cancelled, says church educator Betsy Dishman. “With school finished, there could be a void that (a home-based) VBS will serve to fill. It will also help us stay connected with each other and encourage families to take the lead in faith formation at home.”
This article links to free and low-cost materials for creating at-home or online options for Vacation Bible School.
Follow these links for more ideas on how to fund and deliver a Vacation Bible School experience this year.
“The Best VBS Workbook Ever!”
This book and others from Church Publishing Group tell how to provide Episcopal based lessons and youth activities.
“Five Steps to Plan VBS Through COVID-19”
Concordia offers a free planning guide, with ideas for doing alternative Bible school on a budget.
“The Spirit of VBS in the Year of the Pandemic”
Why VBS can be a practical investment in a church’s future.
“A Simpler VBS During COVID Season”
“So many summer opportunities for families have been cancelled, says church educator Betsy Dishman. “With school finished, there could be a void that (a home-based) VBS will serve to fill. It will also help us stay connected with each other and encourage families to take the lead in faith formation at home.”
This article links to free and low-cost materials for creating at-home or online options for Vacation Bible School.
Follow these links for more ideas on how to fund and deliver a Vacation Bible School experience this year.
“The Best VBS Workbook Ever!”
This book and others from Church Publishing Group tell how to provide Episcopal based lessons and youth activities.
“Five Steps to Plan VBS Through COVID-19”
Concordia offers a free planning guide, with ideas for doing alternative Bible school on a budget.
“The Spirit of VBS in the Year of the Pandemic”
Why VBS can be a practical investment in a church’s future.
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