Public health emergencies are difficult for anyone to comprehend—especially children. As schools close and we all do our best to prevent the spread of COVID-19, here are some resources to help you take care of your child’s mental health, provide structure and activities, and get access to the resources you need.
The coronavirus is a new virus that began in China in December 2019. It can be hard to discern where to go for dependable and up to date information on the recent spread of the coronavirus. Here are some reliable places to go for coronavirus information and updates:
Talking to Children About Coronavirus
Public health emergencies are not easy for anyone to comprehend or accept—especially children. Creating an open environment, where children feel free to ask questions, will help them to cope during stressful times. Our Children’s Mental Health Matters! Campaign has put together a resource on how to talk to your child about the coronavirus.
Calm Your Coronavirus Fears
The recent spread of the coronavirus is causing worry in many of us. The Mental Health Association of Maryland has compiled some tips that may help along with a comprehensive resource website.
How to Talk to Your Child About the Coronavirus
- Tips on age-appropriate ways to explain the news to your kids from Common Sense Media
- Advice on talking with your children about the coronavirus from the Center for Disease Control
- Five Ways to Help Teens Manage Anxiety About the Coronavirus
- Listen to This Podcast for Tips on Coronavirus and Parenting
Taking Care of Your Child’s Mental Health
- Go here to access the Children’s Mental Health Matters! campaign resources.
- Apps to support your child’s mental health
Things to Do at Home
- Apps, Games, and Websites to Keep your Kids Moving
- What to Watch, Read, and Play
- Science Activities and Online Resources for Homebound Kids
- Take a Virtual Field Trip
- Watch a Livestream of Animals at the Smithsonian Zoo
- Take a Virtual Field Trip to Over 500 Museums and Galleries Worldwide
- Watch a Livestream of Undersea Creatures at the National Aquarium
Tips and Resources for Homeschooling
- Online Resources to Supplement Schooling
- Tips on How to Keep Kids Learning When They’re Stuck at Home
- Learning with Technology
- Tips and Resources for Setting up a Daily Homeschool Schedule
- Free Online Courses While Schools are Closed
- Free Mindfulness Class for Kids
Free Meals for Students
During school closures, Maryland schools and agencies are providing free meals to students and children. Meals are available in 24 counties and Baltimore City public schools with additional information are listed here. For an interactive map, visit MDsummerMeals.org.
Maryland Department of Education
- Child care programs must take extraordinary precautions beyond what is normally recommended to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Click here for more information.
- MDH Guidance for Schools
- Guidance from the Maryland State Department of Education to School Systems on Out-of-State Travel – March 11, 2020
- Contact the Division of Early Childhood here.
For more information, visit earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org.