December 23, 2020

Helping Children Find Meaning in a Pandemic: Questions for a Holiday Reflection

by Willough Jenkins, MD As the year turns over to 2021, it is a time for natural reflection, and I suspect many families will be having conversations about the COVID-19 pandemic. It is tempting when discussing the hardships of the pandemic to immediately jump to encouraging children to “look on the bright side” or remind…

COVID-19, Staff Stories
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September 14, 2020

Collaborating Against COVID-19

The world has learned a great deal about COVID-19 since the pandemic began, but a significant gap remains between what we know and what we need to know to fully prevent, treat and work to defeat this newfound viral foe. Medical and scientific research is the driving force behind progress, and experts from Rady Children’s…

COVID-19, Research and Innovation, Staff Stories
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August 3, 2020

At-Home Activities to Help Kids Cope with COVID-19 Isolation (While They Also Have Fun)

by Maggie Mayo, CCLS, and Carissa Menard, CCLS  As we move forward and continue to embrace these difficult times thought the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping our minds occupied and our emotional well-being attended to can be challenging for all of us, including kiddos. As child life specialists, our job is to make the hospital experience less…

Child Life, COVID-19
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June 19, 2020

Fun and Motivating Ways to Keep Kids Moving

by Danni Leonard, CCLS; Marie Osthimer, CCLS; and Joseph Remaley, LCSW While we’re all at home more than we’re used to, it’s more important than ever to keep your kids engaged and active. There are many benefits to exercise, including amplifying concentration, lowering stress and improving health.  Below, we’ve outlined a few activities that are…

Child Life, COVID-19
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May 29, 2020

Take the Compassion, Connection and Control Challenge

by Desiree Shapiro, MD  COVID-19 has affected all of our lives and challenged us in various ways. How do we support one another and cultivate our resilience amidst the chaos? Here are three C’s to consider incorporating into your daily routine and sharing with your children and family today. Compassion This is a time to…

Behavioral Health, COVID-19
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May 26, 2020

Structuring Time Spent at Home for Children of All Ages

by Erin Carpenter, CCLS; Aislinn Mooney, CCLS; and Madeline Zinngrabe, CCLS It can be challenging to keep a schedule and routine at home during this uncertain time. You may see regressive or withdrawn behavior when your child is trying to adapt and manage their feelings and changes to their routine. Keeping your child’s environment structured…

Child Development, Child Life, COVID-19
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May 15, 2020

Supporting Whole-Family Mental Health During COVID-19

Whether you’re 5, 35 or 95, sheltering in place and social distancing can be challenging. With consistent feelings of uncertainty, interruptions to routines and activities, and limitations on seeing friends and family, it’s no wonder reports of effects on mental well-being are on the rise. Recent surveys indicated young adults are feeling more anxious and…

Behavioral Health, COVID-19, The Chadwick Center for Children & Families
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March 18, 2020

Talking to Preschool-Age Children About COVID-19

by Lorri Bauer, MS, and Natalie Elms, MA The novel coronavirus pandemic is an unprecedented and unsettling event for people of all ages, and for small children, its ever-changing nature and intense media coverage can be hard to comprehend — and even scary. Below are a few guidelines to help keep preschool-age kids calm, informed…

Infectious Diseases
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