Everyone has had their schedule shifted over the last several weeks. Parents and young people have watched school events close, spring activities cancelled and all community events as we practice social distancing. Families may be struggling with how to keep school work going particularly if they are now remotely working. Living rooms and kitchens have become shared spaces for work. Many of our youth may experience increased anxiety if their parent or parents are essential workers during this health crisis. Research also tells us that we are social beings and connection is important to our social and emotional wellness. So how do we foster connections during a time when we are sheltering in place at home. Our Youth and Family Program area has been challenged with exploring that question over the last week. We have been working on strategies that foster connection during this time for our 4-H youth, afterschool student in REACH, and for parents. We want to help our community stay connected and offer our team skills in a new and exciting way – a Virtual Community. Please explore our flyer below to see what we have set up for the next month.
Here are a few resources that can help understanding the impact of Sheltering in Place, why it is so hard for teenagers and what families can do to help.
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/podcasts/item/staying_close_connection_while_self_distancing
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_help_teens_shelter_in_place
Download Virtual Youth and Family Conversations and Connections PDF file here for more information.
Melissa C Schroeder
Youth and Family Program Director
Cornell Cooperative Extension Schuyler County
mcs35@cornell.edu
