The outbreak of COVID-19 is a source of unexpected stress and adversity for many people and families. Resilience is a powerful tool that is especially important during challenging times.
The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University reminds that “resilience can help us get through and overcome hardship. But resilience is not something we’re born with—it’s built over time as the experiences we have interact with our unique, individual genetic makeup. That’s why we all respond to stress and adversity—like that from the COVID-19 pandemic—differently.” So, what can we do to build up and strengthen resilience? How can we build resilience to plan ahead for future times of crisis?
The Center on the Developing Child shared a printable document with tips and ideas for helping both families and staff build resilience during the pandemic, using a scale as a representation for resilience.
The document highlights three ways we can help to restore balance of the resilience scale for parents and staff members during COVID-19…
Unload the negative side: Help families meet basic needs; create and provide children’s activity kits; and encourage parents, program staff, and co-workers to practice self-care
Load Up the positive side: Check in with staff and families via phone calls or video chats; maintain and encourage connections
Move the Fulcrum: Help by sending text reminders of important appointments, posting daily schedules; and sharing step-by-step checklists for accessing relief funds and filling out applications
Click here to view and download the free document.
