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Helping Your Family Stay Connected to Community While Social Distancing

Mar 18, 2020 - In the News

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Many of us, in an attempt to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), are spending a lot of time at home with family right now. Parents may wonder how they can help point their kids toward empathy and compassion when things feel overwhelming and uncertain.  


Moments like this tend to highlight the people and practices in our lives that truly anchor us—what brings us peace, joy or a big sigh of relief. One way we can feel “anchored” is to reach out for each other, not just our immediate loved ones, but to the community at large. Kids need this practice just as adults do. We are bound together by common fears and longing for connection, so we can introduce the idea of empathy by prompting children to think about the feelings and experiences of other people. And now many of us have the gift of time and space to do just that. 


First, feel encouraged that by practicing social distancing, you are modeling community service! Your choice to keep your family at home is a beautiful act of service to the most medically vulnerable in your area. What you’re doing matters. Here are some other ideas to help your family stay connected to the greater community: 


  • Assuming you have already talked to your kids about what coronavirus is and what you’re doing to help keep them safe, begin the conversation by asking them about how other people in their community may be feeling right now. Ask about healthcare workers, grocery-store employees, kids in their classes, neighbors, anyone! Based on that conversation, you may have a better idea of what activities and acts of service will resonate most with them.  
     
  • Connect with the staff of a local nursing home and ask if you can (safely!) deliver or mail artwork, cards, short stories or letters to residents. As you engage your children in making these items, encourage them to think about who they are sending their art to and the message those people may want or need to hear in this moment. 
     
  • Consider doing something similar for a local hospital, doctor’s office, pharmacy or grocery store. A lot of people are working so hard right now and risking their own health to keep others’ lives running relatively smoothly. Many don’t have a choice but to continue going to work. How can your family support them? 
     
  • If you have elderly or immunocompromised neighbors, consider getting a list of needs from them and providing groceries or other supplies via safe delivery. Can your kids help with that process by talking to the person on the phone or dictating the list? 

  • Donate food or money to an agency that works with children, such as Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services. Engage your kids in this process by helping them earn money by doing jobs around the house. Show them you care by "matching" the money they donate.

  • Make signs with encouraging or funny messages and display them for people walking or driving by. Consider sharing them on social media. We are all looking for little bright spots right now. 
     
  • Go on a walk around your neighborhood or apartment complex with your family. As you look at the houses, encourage your kids to say a prayer of health and safety for the people inside.

Remember that small acts of compassion and empathy are magnified in times of uncertainty such as these, when we desperately want and need the comfort of human connectionNow, as ever, we belong to each other.  

Haley Savage Headshot Smaller 2

Haley Savage, LMSW


PCHAS Child and Family Specialist in San Antonio 

The children and families in our residential and community-based programs need your help now more than ever. To donate, please click here.


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