It is clear that COVD 19, will be with us for a while. It will not end before the holidays, or the New Year and not before Halloween! Though many of us are still in a state of semi shock, we are going to need to make the best of a strange and different time to ensure the well being, mental health and optimism of our children and teens.

Who would have imagined they would be bringing home their newborn during a pandemic? The answer is no one! Given how unsettling having a newborn during a pandemic is, our stress levels can soar. Though self-care is always important for parents of newborns, it is vital for new parents right now!

The COVID-19 pandemic robbed many graduating high school seniors and other teens of significant rites of passage, such as graduations, celebrations, sports, and even summer jobs. No wonder many teenagers are feeling depressed, angry, and bored.

During these times of changing guidelines and uncertainty, it is only natural for us to experience some anxiety. As caregivers, it’s imperative that we also consider the changes and stress effecting our youngsters; especially those who are too young to completely understand the seriousness of COVID-19.

Lots of parents are hesitant to join a parenting group. Who will be there? What do you talk about? Will you be judged? Do you have to share private things? What will people think? As a parent you can't help but feel vulnerable. When parents join a Circle of Parents Support Group in Vermont, one of the first things we talk about is keeping all information confidential.

Your pregnancy ought to be one of the happiest, most content periods of your life – you may be feeling a bit robbed of this experience. Let’s consider a few things that may help ease your anxiety.

Many families are using technology more than usual due to social distancing related to the coronavirus. Smart phones, tablets, and computers have become more important than ever as children stay home and attend school online

Most of us have stayed home to slow the spread of COVID-19, but now many parents need to return to work outside the home and need to decide what to do with their children while they work. Not all child care providers are open for business, and others are open but have limited capacity.

Life is filled with uncertainty, especially at times like this. The coronavirus pandemic has led to uncertainty about the economy, jobs, finances, relationships, and of course, health. Each of us is different in how much uncertainty we can tolerate in life, but all of us have a limit.

Right after the coronavirus hit, schools and many workplaces were closed, and it seemed like parents we were supposed to do it all - become teachers, provide for all needs, work from home, become health experts, and be an even better parent than before.

As parents, many of us are more stressed out than we have ever been before. Why is this? We, along with other caregivers, are dealing with circumstances beyond our control. Our families are isolated at home due to the coronavirus

Many of us may have thought that once the coronavirus crisis was over, the nation and the economy would come back quickly. After the first few weeks, we now realize that there will be no quick return to "normal" life, but there is hope for managing the outbreak now and in the long run.

We are all trying to adjust to staying home to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. As parents and caregivers, we may have to deal with arguments and problems with partners or ex-partners, while managing our kids and even working from home!