Parents, we’re only human. Under normal circumstances, we are under all kinds of stress trying to raise small humans to reach their full potential as adults. It is a lot of pressure and the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis has caused everything to change. School, work, child care, the list goes on and on. It is all uncharted territory and every parent has a lot to worry about right now. While everyone is encouraged to physically distance ourselves from each other, that doesn’t mean we need to socially isolate from one another.
In fact, now more than ever, it is important to take care of ourselves so we can take care of our kids and connect with one another to share support, tips, advice or just talk.
TO HELP KEEP COLORADO FAMILIES STRONG THROUGH THIS COVID-19 CRISIS, ILLUMINATE COLORADO HAS LAUNCHED A NEW FACEBOOK GROUP FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS THIS WEEKEND AND SEVERAL ONLINE CIRCLE OF PARENTS GROUPS IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH WILL BEGIN NEXT WEEK TO CREATE A SPACE FOR PEOPLE RAISING KIDS TO VENT, CRY, AND LAUGH, AND JOKE, AND FIND OUT HOW OTHER PARENTS ARE NAVIGATING THIS NEW WORLD.
We recognize that the added stress of the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Colorado, the closure of schools and child care services and social distancing places children and families at greater risk for toxic stress and child maltreatment. We also know that social connections are critical in the prevention of child maltreatment.
To help keep Colorado families strong through this COVID-19 crisis, Illuminate Colorado has launched a new Facebook group for parents and caregivers this weekend and several online Circle of Parents Groups in English and Spanish will begin next week to create a space for people raising kids to vent, cry, and laugh, and joke, and find out how other parents are navigating this new world.
Illuminating Colorado Parenthood Facebook Group
Parenting is stressful on a normal day and these days are anything, but normal. Illuminate Colorado Facebook page continues to promote resources that may support parents in raising children of all ages. We also know it is important to keep your spirits high by sharing inspiring or funny memes to build your parental resilience. We want more of a two-way street. Join the Illuminating Colorado Parenthood Facebook Group to share your lived experience with other parents. Get answers to important questions like, just how many cups can one kid use in a day? While parents and caregivers might need to vent, this group is a positive space. We hope you will join together to encourage each other to enjoy time with your child during these stressful times and celebrate what you like about being a parent, in the midst of all of this. Or, may be you are having one of those days and you need a reminder yourself.
Circle of Parents – NEW Online Groups
Sometimes you just need to talk. llluminate has created several NEW virtual Circle of Parents groups for parents and caregivers that will begin to connect for a private video and telephone conference 1-hour chats this week. Join other parents and caregivers all around Colorado online to share support, tips and advice or just talk. Vent, cry, and laugh, and joke, and find out how other parents are navigating this new world. Talk about:
-
-
- Activities to do at home with children of all ages
- How to maintain self-care and self-kindness
- Resources and tips to stay healthy and safe
- How to talk about what’s going on with your children
-
… whatever you want to talk about!
A Circle of Parents online group for any Colorado parent of caregiver is meeting every week on Tuesday at 10:00 am and Thursday at 7:00 pm. Click HERE for Zoom Video Conferencing and telephone information.
Someone has to keep the conversation going, and that’s what a parent facilitator does. Sara Mirshamsi, is a mother of three daughters in Pueblo, CO and is a parent mentor for Illuminate Colorado, the Colorado Chapter lead for Circle of Parents.
An online group for parents and caregivers in recovery from a substance use disorder will meet every week on Wednesday at 9:30 am and Friday at 7:00 pm. Connect with others parents maintaining their recovery during these stressful times. Click HERE for Zoom Video Conferencing and telephone information.
This group is facilitated by Toni Miner, a mother of three daughters and legal guardian to two of her three grandchildren living in Arvada, CO. She recently celebrated 18 years in recovery and is a Family Support Partner for the Jefferson County Human Services Department facilitating a weekly Circle of Parents in Recovery group in Lakewood for the last four years.
Join other parents and caregivers of children with symptoms of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders meets the first Friday of each month at 12:30 pm. This is a private group. Email amichaelsboffy@illuminatecolorado.org for the online and teleconference information.
Many other existing Circle of Parents groups are learning to connect online while Colorado is physically distancing from one another to prevent the community spread of COVID-19 in many communities in Colorado. Visit each group page or contact the parent facilitator to find out if a specific parent group is meeting online during this crisis.
We know communities are stronger together, so please encourage others to join you.
CIRCULO DE PADRES – Para Todos Los Padres y Cuidadores
Padres, ustedes solo son humanos y los humanos son criaturas sociales, y somos más felices y saludables cuando regularmente pasamos tiempo con otros. Conectarse con otras personas puede reducir el estrés y ayudarlo a recordar que otros se preocupan por usted. En este momento, tenemos que hacer eso en línea.
Únase a otros padres y cuidadores en todo Colorado en línea para compartir apoyo, consejos y sugerencias o simplemente hablar. Vente, llora, ríe y bromea, y descubre cómo otros padres están navegando en este nuevo mundo. Hablar sobre: ·
-
-
- Actividades para hacer en casa con niños.
- Cómo mantener el autocuidado y la bondad
- Recursos y consejos para mantenerse sano y seguro.
- Cómo hablar sobre lo que está pasando con tus hijos
-
… de lo que quieras hablar!
Alguien tiene que mantener la conversación, y eso es lo que hace un facilitador de padres.
Este grupo es facilitado por Maria Soto, una madre de dos hijas y una nieta en Denver, CO. Maria es una profesional de apoyo familiar con Families First en Shiloh House y ha estado facilitando un Círculo de Padres semanal durante siete años.
En línea: Zoom Videoconferencia en línea AQUÍ
Teléfono: +1 346-248-7799; Access code: 926 760 054#
Cuando: Lunes a 9:30 am y Miércoles a 6:30 pm
Related Posts
Prevention Partnership Spotlight: Colorado State University Kappa Delta Phi Epsilon Chapter
Summer can be hard for parents. If you’ve taken care of a child, you might know that it can take a lot of energy and ideas to keep up with them. When kids are out of school for the summer, this can increase the load on parents and caregivers, especially if they aren’t...
Recognizing Outstanding Parent Leads During Parent Leadership Month
Earlier this month, Illuminate kicked off Parent Leadership Month by talking about what parent leadership is, and why parent leaders are integral to strong communities. This week, we look to recognize outstanding Parent Leads from Circle of Parents groups across Colorado. Join us!
Parent Leadership: Strong Families, Strong Communities, Healthy Children
February is Parent Leadership Month! Parent leadership is a critical way for families to build upon their strengths, which leads to strong communities and healthy children.
