Pandemic Parenting

Children of all ages and their parents are feeling the social effects of COVID-19. Some families may be feeling isolated, bored and uncertain about the future. Children might feel afraid or sad about how their world has changed so quickly. Parenting can be difficult at the best of times but now it seems to be an ever-changing challenge. Here are some resources put together by Ottawa Public Library staff to help parents and caregivers support the young people in their lives.
Ottawa Public Health: Resources for those pregnant and parenting during COVID-19
Ottawa Public Health provides local information on dealing with the challenges of being apart from family and friends. This site has helpful, practical tips on explaining the virus, physical distancing and hand washing to children. There is an excellent FAQ page that covers the questions that come up day to day with all ages about COVID-19.
Government of Ontario: COVID-19 support for students and parents
The Government of Ontario brings you practical information about school closures, childcare and how to learn at home during COVID-19. Some health care and frontline workers can send their children to emergency childcare while they are at work. Find out if you are eligible to send your child to emergency childcare.
Government of Canada: COVID-19 resources for parents and children
Children, just like adults, have an important role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19. It can be difficult for some to understand why they must stay home or cannot see loved ones and friends. The Government of Canada brings you these resources to help your child understand what’s going on and how they can help. Ideas and tips to help parents and caregivers adjust to this new and unexpected situation.
WHO: #HealthyAtHome Campaign
Working with international partners, the WHO brings you content to open the world of isolation. The World Health Organization (WHO) is an international organization with members from more than 150 countries, that come together to promote equal access to health for everyone. This website offers ideas and resources to support parents and projects that will engage children in understanding coronavirus, the challenges it brings to their world and what can be done to protect them.
UNICEF
UNICEF is a United Nations organization, that works with partners around the world to promote policies and expand access to services that protect all children. This website has the latest COVID-19 news and resources, as well as practical information, such as the importance of maintaining regular vaccination schedules during this time.
Canadian Paediatric Society
The Canadian Pediatric Society is a national organization of pediatricians working together to advance the health of Canadian children and youth. This site has articles on COVID and how it is affecting other medical conditions such as diabetes, ADHD and anxiety disorders. There are practical articles about topics such as the safe use of hand sanitizer by children.
Canadian Psychological Association
Are you finding working from home a challenge? Here are practical tips on making working from home with children a bit easier from the Canadian Psychological Society. The CPS is the largest national association for the science, practice and education of psychology in Canada.
Canadian Red Cross
Feeling stressed by working at home, while looking after children? The Canadian Red Cross provides self-care tips for parents working at home with solutions to the challenges of an abrupt workplace change. Tips for helping families cope during self-isolation, including links to activities for children.
Break the Fake from MediaSmarts
In today’s digital world, critical thinking is more important than ever. Here you’ll find a variety of resources to help you figure out what’s real and what’s fake online. Media Smarts is an Ottawa based non-profit who promote critical thinking and analysis of various types of mass media. You can also play with your favourite house hippos!
Kids Help Phone
Get the facts on the novel coronavirus with Kids Help Phone, a 24/7 national support service. This national volunteer led organization offers phone, text and live chat counselling services to young people in both English and French. There is information about how to support the young people in your life and information for kids on how to cope with social distancing or concerns about school.