We hope this email finds you and your family safe and well and finding ways to settle into our new world of e-learning and social distancing.

Here are a few Try This tips for the week:

• Be sure to check in with your children - young and old - to see how they are doing during these unusual times and to let them know that you are there for them.  Use this helpful daily check-in worksheet to get a quick read on your child's mood, concerns, and emotions.  To reuse it each day, simply print out the worksheet and slip it into a plastic page cover to use with a dry erase marker.  For suggestions to help your child manage their emotions, check out this great Facebook video and article from Parents from Confidence.
• If you are raising a differently-wired child, check out the information and resources at Tilt Parenting from Debbie Reber, author of  DIFFERENTLY WIRED: Raising an Extraordinary Child in a Conventional World.  Be sure to take a few minutes to listen to her short podcast Thoughts on Parenting Differently Wired Kids Through a Pandemic as she shares thoughts and ideas for contemplation surrounding parenting differently-wired children through the coronavirus pandemic. It is a powerful episode for all parents to listen to as we share in this experience.
• For some family fun, have a virtual cookie bake with extended family or friends. Each household can pick a favorite cookie to make and share the recipe with the larger group.  Meet up virtually through Zoom, Skype, FaceTime or other platform while you make and bake the cookies.  Enjoy warm cookies and milk together while you reconnect or play a board game together online. 
• Take a little break and check out Episode 2 of Some Good News with John Krasinski to put a smile on your face.  If you are a Hamilton fan, be sure to watch to the end.

And, don't forget to fill out this short form to tell us what you need during these challenging times and how we can help.  We want to hear from you!

Stay safe and be well.

• That Discomfort You're Feeling is Grief
• 15 Uplifting Quotes for Getting Through Quarantine
• Is Your Teen Struggling with Online Learning? Six Things They Can Do to Get Through This
• Online Resources & Ideas for Families Unexpected Homeschooling

Additionally, they continue to offer virtual drop-in counseling hours on Wednesday's from 3:00 - 4:30 pm for Barrington High School students. Just drop in using a Zoom meeting link to connect with one of their wonderful therapists! Click here for more information. Email Lisa.schultz@barringtonbyfs.org for the Zoom link and passcode.