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Help for Families During COVID 19

Up-To-Date News from the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent:

Resources for Families:

The Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham Kent provides links to external websites for information sharing. The information in the websites is to be used in combination with the services and supports provided by the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham Kent staff.  The Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham Kent does not control and is not responsible for the content, privacy policies, and terms of use of the websites to which we share links.  The websites are not a substitute for the services and advice provided by a qualified health care provider.

Public Health Contact Information:

For up-to-date Covid-19 information, please contact CK Public Health at:

COVID-19 Line: 519.355.1071 x 1900
Email:  covid19@nullchatham-kent.ca
Web page link:https://ckphu.com/covid-19/

For general health and wellness information please visit https://ckphu.com/ and click on Health Topics for a drop down menu of various health topics you can choose from or call 519.352.7270.

Social Stories:

The following links are social learning tools using images and words to explain different topics regarding Covid-19. They are designed to benefit those that have difficulties with comprehension and provides a meaningful way to exchange information.

Educational Funding Resources :

“While schools and child care centres are closed, this link will provide access to information on direct funding which parents can apply for to help offset the cost of buying materials to support their children’s learning, while they practice self-isolation and physical distancing.” Click here for more information

Visual Schedules :

“Many of our children use visual schedules throughout their day. Schedules help them understand what is expected, and can often provide a sense of comfort as it removes confusion and uncertainty about the world around them. We hope you can use these daily schedules to help cope with the many changes to our daily lives that have taken place. We’ve provided a page of some common pictures you might use but you could also draw or you can download images to use.”

Physical Activities:

Speech and Language:

Infant Development:

Fine Motor:

Fine motor skills involve the use of the smaller muscles of the hands. Below are a number of independent skills to work on to develop a child’s fine motor skills.

      • Typing Club –“Typing Club is a free on-line typing program that will take your children on a highly engaging, step-by-step journey so that they can learn how to use all of their fingers to type confidently and quickly. The lessons provide ample opportunity to practice new motor patterns and successive lessons build on them, bit by bit.” Click Link Here: Typing Club
      • Fine Motor Activities – “Lots of OT suggestions in one calendar.” Click here for calendar
      • Movement Songs – “Movement causes the brain to produce endorphins, chemicals that increase both the child’s energy levels and her ability to learn. Movement also sends oxygen to the brain, which aids in the thought process.” Click here for Guide
      • Fun Activities – Recipes for fun sensory play activities such as playdough and  puffy paint. Follow the link by clicking here.
      • Playing with Lego – Playing with Lego encourages fine motor development, bilateral integration, sensory skills and play skills!  Here are some fun activities you can try at home. Click here for more information
      • More fun with playdoh! – And  help  your child build fine motor strength and coordination. Click here for more information.
      • Make your own sensory bins at home full of fun materials and objects to stimulate the senses and get  those hands working.  Check out this link to recipes ideas and  start filling up your sensory bins

Support for Parents and Caregivers:

      • Anxiety – “Even parents and caregivers who don’t usually struggle with anxiety are experiencing more worry and anxiety now. Check out this link for some suggestions to help you and your family cope during these uncertain times.” Link: Anxiety Canada
      • Ontario Caregivers – “If you are supporting others and feel overwhelmed and anxious, you’re not alone. This link provides information on peer supports for caregivers.” Ontario Caregivers Link Click Here
      • Youth Mental Health Canada – “Fear and anxiety about covid-19 can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and youth. Changing our mindset can help us cope with the stress we may be feeling during this time.” Click here for additional information.
      • Mandalas are circular geometric patterns that are often used to guide meditation and promote wellness. They are an opportunity for everyone  to take a break and relax, especially parents and caregivers.  Mandalas can be created using objects from nature, from your home,  or you can draw or paint your own patterns.  This link show how easy it is to get started. Click here for more information
      • Ideas to Recharge: Pause, Breathe and Reconnect:  We recognize that current circumstances have made it more challenging for parents and caregivers to take time for themselves.  These suggestions provide an easy and  quick recharge throughout the day. Click here for more information.
      • Support for siblings as caregivers:

Family Activities:

      • America’s Test Kitchen for Kids – “Looking for some fun ways to get some extra help in the kitchen? Check out this link for teens and tweens to learn some cooking skills and prepare some delicious kid friendly recipes for the whole family to enjoy. And right now it is free!”
      • Rain Day Activities – “Rainy day activities for kids of all ages. “ Click Here for Activities
      • French Resources –“For families looking for French resources, Boukili offers a free collection of books online and through their app. Children can listen, follow, and record the book that they read before answering questions to check their understanding. Happy reading! Click Link
        • Pour les familles qui cherchent les ressources en français, Boukilli offre une collection de livres sur l’internet ou leur app. Les apprenti lecteurs peuvent écouter, suivre, et enregistrer leur voix en lisant les histoires avant de répondre aux questions de compréhension. Joyeuse lecture!” Click Link
        • “Site éducatif en français où les animateurs accompagnent les enfants dans un univers du jeu, de la chanson, des comptines et de la créativité.” Click Link
      • Family Activities – “Wild Child Imagination Studio, one of the CTC-CKS’s great community partners has shared some fun activity ideas for our families.  We appreciate your continued support and can’t wait until we’re back in the studio again!” Click here for additional information.
      • House Party – “Do you have older children restless and wanting to see their friends? Looking to have a fun play date with friends online? Have you heard of the new app HouseParty?Social media is still growing and providing new apps specifically designed for video chatting. One of these, being Houseparty which has become another way for young people to stay connected with their friends via video chat. The fun begins once you start actually chatting with friends. After the chat begins, you’ll be able to choose from a number of games to play. Games include Heads Up, Trivia, Quick Draw, and more — and they can be played with up to eight people at a time. Click here and follow the link.
      • Mandalas are circular geometric patterns that you can find in nature, or you can make your own.   They are often used to promote wellness and give everyone an opportunity to take a break and relax.Check out this  link to Daisy and the Gumboot Kids gathering  special shapes from nature to make DIY mandalas, creating their own exciting patterns.  Kids can create  mandala’s using materials found in their  home or backyard. Click here to learn more information.
      • Chatham-Kent Public Library programs and events: https://www.chatham-kent.ca/community-services/public-libraries/programs-events

General Resources:

      • “Learn at Home is the Ministry of Education’s new online portal that will provide resources for families so students can continue their education while schools are closed due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.” Check out this link.
      • Covid-19 Book for Parents:

        Dear families and educator all over the world,
        I have created this short book to support and reassure our children, under the age of 7, regarding the COVID-19. This book is an invitation for families to discuss the full range of emotions arising from the current situation. It is important to point out that this resource does not seek to be a source of scientific information, but rather a tool based on fantasy. My recommendation is to print this material so children can draw on it. Remember that emotions are processed through repetitive play and stories read multiple times. Share COVIBOOK and help ease kiddo’s anxiety all over the world. Check out this link.

        ​With love, Manuela Molina – the author

      • FASD – “Here is a guide for families, parents and caregivers raising individuals with FASD. This guide will help you manage by providing coping techniques, tips and tricks for staying at home, and some added online resources for parents and caregivers.” Click here for Guideline and Tips for FASD
      • Let’s Talk Food – Emergency Food Provider List Click Here
      • FASD Supports and tips: – If you are looking for extra supports and tips on how to manage children with FASD during these changing times please follow Jeff Noble’s Podcast series The FASD Success Show,  Jeff Noble is a parent to a child with FASD, an FASD educator and advocate.  His most recent episode #014 Homeschooling in a Pandemic with Darlin Dee helps provide families with relief, tips and strategies about homeschooling children with FASD.  Jeff also has a closed Facebook group for Caregivers/parents which  provides an opportunity  for families to connect, share stories and tips, as well as Jeff regularly posts  different strategies and tips on how to survive parenting children with FASD. Click links below for additional information.
      • Having to stay home, – learn at home, and adapt to many more lifestyle changes, has been challenging families and children.  This guide is a great way to have your children get involved in planning fun activities and ways to decrease  stress and stay calm at home. Click here for more information.
      • Back to School Tips – Many children will be returning to school very soon.  Parents can help by practicing and talking about some  of the new health strategies children may  see on their first day back to school. Click here for more information.
      • The Mobile Market- https://mobilemarketck.com/

Staying Healthy and Information on Covid-19:

      • Complex Health Care Needs – “If you have someone at home with complex medical needs and are worried about answering you door, this sign may be helpful.” Complex Health Care Needs – Click Link
      • Mindful Monday – Mindful Monday sessions: Link Here and remove the current link
        • How to use hand sanitizer – A quick video on how to use hand sanitizer correctly. Click here to see video
        • Low German Language on Social Distancing – “ Information  in the Low German language on  social distancing and  social isolation “
        • Chatham-Kent Information – Chatham Kent is providing information on services  and supports to help families manage during this difficult time. Follow the two links below for more information
        • My Hero is YOU – My Hero Is You, is a  story developed for and by children around the world to help everyone cope with the Covid -19  pandemic.  It is available in many languages including English, French, Spanish, German,  and Arabic. Click here for more information.
        • So Healthy at Home:  Special Olympics programs across Canada have been suspended to due to Covid-19, Special Olympics has launched the So Healthy at Home platform to help ensure that we’re all staying safe and active while at home!  Access FREE online virtual events (that focus on mindfulness and fitness), or complete the weekly wellness challenge!  Visit their website for activity ideas, challenges, and tips that help us to stay connected, stay active, stay positive, and stay informed: Click here for more information.
        • Fight, Flight or Freeze:  A teen friendly explanation of anxiety  and a link to  different types of music to help your body  relax. Click here for more information.
        • Child Friendly Story: “This is a link uses a colourful and child friendly story to share information on COVID-19” Click here to link to story.
        • Parent Covid – 19 Vaccines for Children 5-11 Years. (Click Here to Download)

Managing Behaviour:

With COVID-19 and the many changes families have endured this year, parents can expect to see some changes in their child’s behaviour. These changes might look different depending on your child’s age, temperament, stress levels, etc. Below are some tips to help you navigate these changes and if you need additional support, please reach out to your therapist.

      • Toileting – “You may be finding yourself with more time at home with your child. Maybe you’ve been considering working on toileting! Here are some things to consider, including: are they ready? Are YOU ready? Consistency, patience, and sincere reinforcement are key. Good luck!”
      • Offering Choices – “Children’s behaviour can often be improved when offered the right to choose. Offering choice can help avoid power struggles or tantrums/melt downs. Check out these tips.”
      • Frustrated – Does your child say “I’m dumb” and I’m stupid “ when frustrated.  These tips may help you respond to your child’s “negative self-talk”. Click here for more tips.
      • Child’s Attention – Singing to get my child’s attention?  We can only imagine that with the kids home all day there is a  lot of extra noise. Sometimes it’s hard to get their attention! Kids hear spoken language so much throughout their day that they don’t always pay attention.  Try  changing  things up and sing directions.   By singing, you gain their attention, you get better eye contact and most of all it becomes fun! Click here for more information.

Hearing

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT:

    • If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 1-866-299-7447 to speak to a Mental Health Response Team Member, visit your nearest Emergency Room or dial 911 for emergency assistance.
  1. Humana Crisis and Community Support Program
    Provides flexible, trauma-informed, individualized support to children and youth up to age 18 and their families who are experiencing emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

    • Phone Number: 519-354-2065
    • Phone Number for 24/7 crisis line for youth and their parents: 519-354-4095
    1. Chatham-Kent Mental Health Crisis Line

The Canadian Mental Health Association in Lambton-Kent has a 24-hour crisis line for anyone in Lambton County and Kent County.

    • Phone Number for Chatham Kent Mental Health Crisis Line: 519-436-6100 or 1-866-299-7447
    • Phone Number for Lambton Mental Health Crisis Line: 519-336-3445 or 1-800-307-4319
    1. Chatham-Kent Children’s Services

Chatham-Kent Children’s Services (CKCS) offers counselling for all children and youth under 18 at no cost.

    • Phone Number: 519-352-0440
    1. Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre

The Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre providers free counselling for survivors of sexual assault.

    • Phone Number: 519-354-8908
    • Crisis Line Phone Number: 519-354-8688
    1. Chatham Kent Health Alliance Mental Health and Addictions Programs

The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance provides individual support for those experiencing or affected by addictions, or experiencing disordered eating.

    • Phone Number: 519-351-6144 x 5051
    1. Kids Help Phone

Kids Help Phone offers professional support and information for children and youth 20 & under. Call the Canada-wide 24-hour crisis line or Live Chat online with counsellors.

    • Phone Number: 1-800-668-6868
  1. Access Open Minds
    • ACCESS Open Minds Chatham-Kent offers a “one-stop shop” for young people aged 11-25 and their families looking for mental health support. During the Covid-19 pandemic, they continue to offer services virtually through phone and video.
    • Phone Number: 519-437-6329
    • Email: info@nullaccessopenmindsck.ca
  1. The Mental Health Network of Chatham-Kent
    Offering hope through education, support, social rehabilitation, networking, and advocacy to all people whose lives are affected b mental illness.

    • Phone Number: 519-351-3100
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