As the events of 9-11 were taking place, we headed to our daughter’s school. We were told it was better that she stay in class that day. As parents, educators, and architect/designers, we were not sure we knew how to handle all of it – it was massive, overwhelming, and scary. We wanted to be together in that moment.
Today, our grownup daughter is in the heart of the COVID-19 crisis in New York City. Like then, I wish we could be together. Thinking back to 9-11, we recalled Mr. Rogers’ reach out to all kids (parents, too). He felt compelled to come out of retirement to help us heal and deal. What he said stuck with me – when he was a boy and saw scary things in the news, his mother said to look for the helpers. She told him that he would always find people who are helping.
People are helping and giving right now. It’s happening in a multitude of ways. Unsolicited, via email and blogs, I am receiving enterprising lists of resources and ideas. I’ve read suggestions for turning canned goods into palatable meals, and had curiosity piqued by those helping me with yoga, calmness, and serenity.
For all of us, life is stressful right now. Our children are asking millions of questions - Why is everyone wearing a mask? Why are we still at home? Balance and answers are hard to find as we get up to speed with remote work practices and juggle family stuff. A recent blog announced the hashtag #quietude. But I live in the city for a reason, so right now I’m aching for a crowd, a throng of people, and NOISE.
At this time, we’ve found satisfaction in being helpers and have sought out crowds on Zoom cocktail hours and video-chats with distant family, colleagues, and friends.
Here’s a list of helpful resources--and some suggestions on how to be helpful.
We believe Mr. Rogers would approve.
Normal service will resume. It is a beautiful day in the neighborhood.
Be a Helper Mr. Rogers Would Approve Of
- Make a thank you to your post office worker, Fed Ex, UPS, etc., and hang it proudly.
- Call other professionals you know who may be on their own – just check-in. Try to contact three people a week.
- Purchase the Chicago Reader coloring book, and support the artists and the Reader at the same time, and keep your endless days full. https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/coloring-book-fundraiser/Content?oid=78568752
- Say thank you to healthcare providers by donating to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. https://about.google/stories/thank-you-medical-community/
- Book Share offers thousands of books to people with reading disabilities. As an online volunteer you can either scan books to be added to the collection or edit books that have been scanned. https://www.bookshare.org/cms/
Foodbank locator on Feeding America's website has information about which food banks serve the communities you care about.
COVID-19 Volunteer/Help Opportunities
- https://www.helpwithcovid.com/
- Commitment to Assist Community Member(s) Due to COVID-19 Hardships
- Help teach kids to learn to code in your free time!
- If you can sew, make some masks – America needs you! https://www.makevictorymasks.org
Parents and Kids
- Check out Mr. Rogers online – 5 episodes per week are uploaded. Enjoy the quiet moments. https://www.misterrogers.org
- Kiddo Activity Ideas: A growing list of activity ideas to keep your kids engaged while home from school/daycare.
- Play at Home: Ideas on activities for kids (or adults) who are hanging at home.
- 6 Mental Health Tips for Parents During the Coronavirus Outbreak: Some tips from Talkspace for parents.
- https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/ How to talk to kids about COVID-19.
- https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/3210-tips-for-families-coronavirus Super resources page for families with little kids.
- https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/3210-tips-for-families-coronavirus#chapter-2444
- Sesame Street Resources – these have to be helpful.
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/tarahaelle/2020/03/15/101-ideas-to-keep-your-kids-busy-during-coronavirus-closures/#5c75212a74a4 A super big list chuck full of ideas and links on Forbes.
- PBS has developed a resource on How to Talk to Your Kids about Coronavirus.
- The National Association of School Psychologists developed the parent resource, Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
- Italian children’s museums developed “A curious guide for courageous kids,” available in 15+ languages.
- National Geographic curated a new Learn at Home site with educational resources to support the families during the crisis for students K-12. Activities are mapped by grade and subjects.
- The PBS KIDS Play and Learn Science app includes hands-on science projects with everyday materials, along with online science games and explorations.
Food, Fun, and More
- Poem for a World on Pause: Poets will write you a free poem.
- Metropolitan Opera: Ever think about how you have never seen an opera? Now is your chance - for free and online.
- Dining at a Distance: Running list of which restaurants are open and what services they are offering.
- Instagram Live Dance Party: No description necessary.
- Netflix Party: A site to watch with friends and family.
AIA Resources
- https://www.aia.org/pages/6280670-covid-19-resources-for-architects Super growing list from AIA.
Mental Health
- Headspace: Headspace is offering free resources. Download their app, create a profile, and then navigate to “Weathering the Storm” in the Explore tab to find the free content.
- Calm App: Calm has shared some free resources at this time.
- PODCAST: Managing the Stress and Uncertainty of Coronavirus: Title says it all.
- On Being: Resources, podcast, etc., that hits a bit more on the meditative and spiritual side of things.
- Tips for managing anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic: Title says it all.
- Care for your Coronavirus Anxiety: LOTS of resources, meditations, and other items to take care of yourself.
- Brightmind: A year of free meditation.
- eMindful: Mindfulness at your fingertips with a two-week free trial.
- Grounding Techniques: Tips from Talkspace on grounding activities.
- Confronting Feelings of Powerlessness: Some additional tips and resources from Talkspace.
Physical Health
- Peloton: Peloton is offering all new users a 90-day free trial. Their app has workout courses in about every discipline you can imagine (including yoga and meditation); not just bike stuff, so it is accessible to anyone in any environment.
- CSA: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a great option to support small, local businesses.
- Do Yoga With Me: Free yoga videos online hitting all levels.
- Apps for helping with sleep and stress management: Plenty of options. This is a little older, but resources still seem helpful.
- Blogilates: A 14-day quarantine program to keep you moving.
- Tiny Teahouse Yoga: Free yoga online.
- LifeStart Instagram or YouTube: LifeStart has started doing daily workout line-ups in their posts and workout classes in Instagram Live and YouTube.
- Nutrition: LifeStart’s dietitian is doing consults while you are at home.