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...]

As COVID-19 restrictions slowly begin to ease up, many of us are venturing into public spaces. Those public spaces, however, look far from normal. As grownups, we know we're required to wear face coverings for safety and health reasons. But it's unsettling---especially when we're used to small moments of connection we make through a friendly smile. If it's strange for us, what does a child think? And how do we answer their questions? Below find tips from Rebecca Parlakian, senior director of programs at Zero to Three. See original article. For toddlers, it’s important to answer only the questions they ask. Avoid sharing "too much" information that might be confusing (e.g., what does contagious mean). Some common questions might be: Is the mask a costume? (No, sometimes people wear masks when they are sick or to help keep them safe so they won’t get sick.)Can the person still talk? (Yes. The mask covers their mouth, but they can still talk. Just like if I put my hand over my … [Read more...]