Stay Safe, Stay Home
While it is extremely important for families to do their part by staying home during the Covid-19 pandemic to keep ourselves, our community, and our frontline workers safe in the coming weeks, we also understand that it isn’t easy.
There is a lot of worry and uncertainty for all of us, and we want you to know that our patients and their families are at the forefront of our thoughts. We know that in addition to the stress of keeping your family healthy, there is also a lot of concern about how best to care for their day-to-day well-being. With recent announcements regarding an extended school closure, the pressure to provide an at-home learning environment while balancing our own responsibilities can feel very overwhelming.
We hope you are able to find ways to be compassionate with yourselves while facing the extraordinary challenges of this unprecedented time. We’d like to share some of the resources we’ve been using to help us navigate our family life during these uncertain times.
AT HOME LEARNING RESOURCES
Khan Academy complimentary resources organized by grade with sample schedules
Scholastic Canada free books and magazines
JumpStart Math free resources for JK to grade 6
Audible free audiobooks
CBC Podcasts for kids, tweens, teens, and their parents
12 Museums From Around the World With Virtual Tours
Virtual Zoo Tours from around the world
Burlington Public Library Online Resources
FAMILY FUN
Virtual Rides at Disney World and Disneyland and Canada’s Wonderland
Drawing Classes For Kids of All Ages with Wendy Mac
Harry Potter At Home by J.K. Rowling
P.E. With Joe workouts for kids
Tiny Desk Concerts by NPR Music
Musicians around the world are giving free concerts from their own homes. Follow your favourite artists on social media for some wonderfully intimate shows.
Many streaming channels and cable providers are releasing free content, too. Be sure to check with your providers.
CBC Gem has also released a vast library of shows for kids and parents (if you’re not watching Schitt’s Creek yet, what are you waiting for?)
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
The Pandemic Toolkit Parents Need by Psychology Today shares many great articles and tips for parents managing anxiety and stress in their children
Alyson Schafer Parenting Expert gives daily check-ins with tips for parents
How Teenagers Can Protect Their Mental Health During Covid-19 by Unicef
KIDS HELP PHONE 24/7 support for kids/teens
#DOGOODFROMHOMECHALLENGE for teens
HOW TO HELP YOUR COMMUNITY
Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation
Halton Healthcare Covid Relief
DIY Face Masks that you can make for vulnerable essential and frontline workers
We invite you to get in touch with us about any orthodontic concerns (we are reaching out to families individually each day), but also if your kids just want to say hi or ask me questions about anything (even if it’s not about teeth!). It has been hard not seeing our patients each week, and I’m always glad to hear about their adventures. Staying connected to others will be invaluable in the coming weeks, and I am here for you.
We thank you for your kindness and understanding as we navigate the recommendations from public health officials. Please let your children know that I am proud of them for doing their part. Together, we will get through this.
Dr. Britton