Today is Tuesday, March 17.

We are entering uncharted territory here in the US and certainly around the world. The President has declared a State of Emergency in our country, and we all know the complications that has and is presenting. When you are already struggling to get by as a single parent and the country is thrust into emergency, we know it can be scary, and an advanced sense of isolation can set in. So we wanted to gather some insights and tips to help you and your kids cope in this time of unknowns.

How do we help our kids? (DETAILS HERE)

1. Do your homework - be the source

2. Let them lead - they are getting lots of info, so ask, "tell me what you have been hearing" through social media, friends. Let them establish what they are ready to hear.

3. Tell age-appropriate truthful answers - be the trusted voice in their life. ie. "I will always tell you the truth."

4. Find the helpers in the situations. Every crisis has them. This helps shape a positive way to look at things. (first responders, doctors, and nurses, our government)

5. Talk about / make things that they can control ( let them dress weirder or choose foods that usually you don't let them eat)

6. Give them places to process emotionally (journaling - talking)

7. Limit exposure to the news

8. MOST IMPORTANT - Manage your own anxiety because they pick up on it.

How do we deal with it emotionally?

1. Focus on the Spiritual realm.

Spend twice as much time focusing on the truth than on the news.

Pick a verse and hold on to (Put it everywhere. Write it out -  make it your screen saver)

(33 Great Verses)

2. Remember the faithfulness of God. Single parents are incredibly resilient. Focus on how He has been there for you and continue to rely; He will continue to sustain. There is nothing to fear.

3. Find a sounding board but not your children

4. Exercise

* Dealing with anxiety

- Deep breathing exercises gets us back to the correct thinking and redistributes blood flow to correct part of the brain

- Grounding techniques. Focus on something specific, try this with your kids, say "pick as many things as you can the color red."

How do we deal practically?

1. Create a Preparative list

- the exercise forces the perspective

- It provides direction in the off chance we need it, if we don't have time to think.

- List the core things we need (if we can't leave the house for 2-4 weeks)

Meds

Non-perishable food

Water

List contacts and numbers in case

Let it become a project with our kids

2. Let our kids know the plan

Wash hands whenever we come into the house. Hang a sign at the door to remind kids. If we eliminate what comes in, we are better prepared

Leave shoes outside

3. Find humor / be silly. Funny movies, games, stories

4. Be the kindness that someone needs

5. Make it quality time (Check out our podcast on this)

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