We know that this pandemic is causing many difficulties for families. Uncertainty about the future, making tough decisions about work and health, and trying to keep everything “normal” for the kids is taking its toll on everyone. We’ve put together a list of resources that we hope will assist you as you navigate this unusual time.
Need help with basic services? Contact United Way 2-1-1 or look at Richland Library’s emergency services guide with contact information for organizations meeting housing, food, clothing, medical and other needs.
Caring for Yourself
This is a stressful time for everyone, but one of the best things we can do to protect our immune system is find ways to reduce that stress.
Things you can do to support yourself
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control for more tips on managing stress
Here are some other free resources that you might find helpful:
- Hoopla | This resource from Richland Library has many free exercise, yoga, and guided meditation videos. Available on your computer or as an app for your phone (iOs, Android).
- Headspace | The popular meditation and mindfulness app has created a collection of guided meditations called “Weathering the Storm” available for free to all users.
COVID-19 Latest health updates and information
- SC Department of Health and Environmental Control | SC DHEC is working closely with SC Governor Henry McMaster on the state’s response to the novel coronavirus 2019 outbreak. Check here for information on state government response to the disease.
- Centers for Disease Control | The CDC has the latest on the US Government response to help slow the spread of novel coronavirus, the virus responsible for the disease COVID-19
- World Health Organization | The WHO is tracking the disease worldwide and how countries are responding to it.
Talking to children about coronavirus
- PBS Kids| Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood from Fred Rogers Productions has put together some great tips and resources for parents on how to talk to your kids about coronavirus and on how you and your kids can de-stress during coronavirus.
- National Association of School Psychologists | The association has put together a parent resource guide for talking to children about COVID-19.
Teaching and Learning From Home
- Audible Stories | The audiobook company has launched a free app for children and teens to listen to books. Titles available in multiple languages.
- EdVenture | While the children’s museum is closed, they are releasing daily Today’s Play videos for families.
- Online storytimes and read-alouds | Missing story time? Richland Library has put together this guide to your daily dose of children’s authors and illustrators.
- Richland Library | Though the library is closed, they are working hard to keep patrons informed, entertained and connected. For those needing access to high speed wireless internet, they can connect from the parking lot of all branches except for Sandhills. For parents, educators, caregivers and homeschoolers, they are providing a Facebook group to access educational resources while sharing tips and tricks. There are also virtual resources, such as Homework Help via Tutor.com and Animated Books, eAudiobooks, and Activities for kids via TumbleBook Library.
- Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens | Z-learning Explore the zoo from home. Each weekday at 10 AM, zoo staff will go live on Facebook with animal features and at-home activities. Each day’s video will be posted to the zoo’s website by 2 pm.
- Scholastic Learn at Home | Scholastic has curated a free digital learning hub designed to support virtual learning plans: Scholastic Learn At Home allows open access to daily learning journeys divided into four grade spans—Pre-K–K, Grades 1–2, Grades 3–5, and Grades 6–9+, covering ELA, STEM, Science, Social Studies, and Social-Emotional Learning.
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