Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for joyous celebrations and coming together of family and friends. This year we're right in the middle of the three-week pandemic pause---and with safe-health distancing, it's going to look very different. Because the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving 2020 is to celebrate at home with the people you live with. As a result, our stress levels will probably be higher than usual. And that's okay. Below are some tips and tools to help you and your family navigate "a new normal" during during the holidays. (Compiled by Starfish Trauma Informed Care Specialist Alice Santa, MSCP, TLLP. Materials adapted from The National Child Traumatic Stress Network and Connecticut Children's.) Parents & Caregivers: Taking care of YOU will increase your patience with your children & ease their distress. Allow yourself to feel sad, worried, or angry.Do something to take care of yourself.Listen to your favorite song.Take some deep breaths.Go on a … [Read more...]
Archives for November 2020
Caring for kids: Advocating for the mental and physical care of children
On this monthly radio program, The Children’s Foundation President and CEO Larry Burns talks to community, government and business leaders about issues related to children’s health and wellness. Guests for this discussion were Ann Kalass, CEO, Starfish Family Services; Tom Lewand, CEO, Marygrove Conservancy; and Shannon Wilson, Director of Medicaid Outreach and Quality, Priority Health. Here’s a summary of the show that aired October 27, 2020; listen to the entire episode, and archived episodes, at yourchildrensfoundation.org/caring-for-kids. Larry Burns: Please give us an update on Starfish. Ann Kalass: We are excited about the educational work that’s happening on the Marygrove campus and to be the early childhood provider for that. The second program I’d like to update you on is our Nurse-Family Partnership, a home visitation program that partners nurses with first- time pregnant mothers to help ensure great birth outcomes. We’re helping both parent and child … [Read more...]