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As we anticipate a return to school, we want to help our little ones learn about wearing masks. Below are some ideas for teaching our children about masks. There are links to stories and videos that might be helpful!

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Wearing a mask is important and will help us stop the spread of COVID-19. Most places are requiring people to wear a mask right now. As you start to go out more, you may worry about your child's safety and ability to wear a mask.

Your child may not want to wear a mask and have a hard time keeping it on. Wearing a mask can be really hard for children with anxiety, sensory differences, and autism. Your child may be extra sensitive to the way the mask feels on their face, head, and ears. Some children may even feel panicked when a mask is put on them. Some kids won't like the way mask looks on themselves or others, and might feel scared. Other children just won't like it because it is different and doing something different is hard for them.

Tips For Success

Here are some ways you can help your child feel comfortable:

Tip 1: Consider the type of mask you get and how your child wears it:

Your child may be more likely to wear a mask if:

The mask has their favorite color, sports team, character, or special interest on it

ShopDisney.com is selling a variety with prints of some of its most popular characters and movie themes

Amazon.com is selling a variety of mask with prints and characters such as Spider Man, the dinosaurs, camouflage, flags

OldNavy.com sells packs of multiple reusable masks in different patterns

Etsy.com has many sellers with different types of designs as well such as CarpeDiemWorkshoppe which sells masks with popular characters also.

Your child finds the mask more comfortable

Face Mask Extenders or Ear Savers can be found online on sites like Amazon or Etsy. These put the pressure on the back of the head (like straps for glasses) instead of on the backs of the ears.

Using a Headband with Buttons that the mask attaches on. These also take away stress from the backs of ears by hooking mask straps onto buttons on a headband. Of course, this does mean having to wear a headband and a mask.

Gaiters. Face-neck scarves called "gaiters" can be used as well which cover the nose and mouth, but fit under the ears and over the neck.

Face masks with around-the-head tie straps. This option is exactly what it sounds like. These are masks that tie around the back of your head much like you would tie a shoe. The ties are sometimes fabric while some makers use more "stretchy" material. Many of these also can be found on sites like Amazon or Etsy. They come in many prints and styles.

You give your child choices

Having a choice can be empowering and make what a child "has to do" seem better. If your child can tell you, get input on what they would like and what feels right. You may even want to try out some options before buying. For example, try to get them to use a disposable mask you already have but in different ways (straps over ears vs. you holding the straps as if held by a mask extender). You could also use a scarf or shirt to show what a "gaiter" covering would feel like.

Tip 2: Prepare your child for wearing a mask:

It will be important to set your child up for success before your child needs to wear their mask. Although this varies by child, it may take repeated prep and practice. Consider starting at least a week or so before needing to go out in a public setting.

Explanations

Explain to your child why it is important to wear a mask. Some children really like to know the reason why they have to do something. Try to make this explanation positive, so your child doesn't get scared. For example, you could tell your child "We wear a mask to keep ourselves and other people safe. When we wear a mask, the virus can't jump from person to person. Masks stop the virus from moving."

Modeling

One of the first things you may do is show your child how you wear your own mask. Watch for your child's reaction to this, and comfort level around you when you wear your mask. Does your child avoid looking at you, or become upset? Does your child show any other changes in his or her behavior when you are wearing a mask? If so, you can help your child associate positive, fun things when you are wearing the mask. Save a special activity or game for when you wear the mask.

Your child also might like if you involve their favorite dolls, stuffed animals, or characters in this. You could let them put the mask on these toys, and talk about how their favorite toy/character also wears a mask to stay safe.

Using visuals

Pictures

You could show your child pictures of other people in masks. Certain people, like doctors, may wear more protective gear, such as a face shield and gown. Some children might find this scary. It can help to show them this before they go out and prepare them.

Social Stories

There are many social stories available describing COVID19 and use of masks that are available online. It may help to change a social story to use words that you use regularly. Putting your own pictures into the story may be helpful as well.

Videos

Some YouTube videos have been created that help explain using a mask.

Tip 3: When models and explanations aren't enough

Some children might need lots of practice with the mask to feel comfortable. You might have to start introducing the mask slowly to your child to help your child be comfortable. Here are steps that might help you (you can start at whichever step you need to):

Step 1

Encourage your child to first just touch and hold the mask. You can show them how you touch and hold the mask too ("Watch me... Now you try!"). You can give your child lots praise for doing this. If it helps, you could also give your child a reward for doing this, such as a favorite treat or time for a favorite activity. Try to make this fun for your child.

Step 2

Help your child get used to the mask touching their face, without putting it on. You could make a game of touching the mask to different parts of your and your child's face ("Touch nose... Now you do it!"). Eventually, you could hold the mask to your child's face in a way that mimics wearing it, without actually putting it on. Remember to keep using lots of praise and a reward each time you do this!

Step 3

When your child is comfortable enough with Steps 1 and 2, it may be time to try the mask on your child's face. You can start by just putting the mask on your child and taking it off right away. Again, you can demonstrate doing this and make it playful. This step may be harder for your child, so you might need to have a reward for them each time they try ("first put on mask, then M&M!"). Having a visual to show them what they will earn might help.

Step 4

Once your child lets you put their mask on them, they will need to start getting comfortable with it being on for longer. For this, start low and go slow! Start by having your child just keep the mask on for a few seconds, and then let them take it off and reward them. Slowly, you can encourage them to keep it on for longer and longer. Timers might be very helpful for this. There are lots of fun children's timers and countdowns(such as online stopwatch) you can download on your phone or find on the internet.

Step 5

Once your child is comfortable wearing their mask for a little while, try to get them to wear it while they are doing something else in the house, like watching television or playing a videogame. You might also want to get your child to move in their mask, like going for a walk in their mask. This will help them get really used to it so they are ready to go out with it on!

If your child is feeling really anxious while doing any of these steps, you might need to help them relax. Having calming items available, such as stress balls or bubbles, might help. You could also try to help your child take deep breaths and relax their body- there are lots of breathing apps that could help you with this.

Some children may take longer than others, or may have a lot of difficulty with a certain step. You might need to practice a step a lot before your child feels comfortable. Give your child lots of time to work through these steps and be patient!

Tip 4. Try out these things when your child goes out with their mask:

Rules

You may find it helpful to make clear rules for your child about when, where, and why they may need to wear a mask. Using visuals as reminders or to explain what you want them to do may be helpful. For children who understand language well, simply reviewing the rules before you go out as a family could also work.

Breaks

Your child may need breaks from wearing the masks. Make sure you give your child a clear way to asks for breaks if they need it. You may agree on a hand signal, checking in with them verbally, using a new button on their communication device, or creating a "break" card to hand you. You could give your child a break from the mask by taking them out of the place you are (e.g., leaving the store to go into the car for a few minutes), or by asking other people present to leave (e.g., ask the doctor to step out of the room for a minute).

Rewards

Just like getting your child comfortable with the mask, rewards can go a long way in getting a child to cooperate. Wearing a mask in the "real world" can be treated like a chore and "getting a paycheck" for doing it may help quite a bit! Let your child know what they can earn for doing a good job keeping their mask on. You may need to set this up for them ahead of your outing, or bring something with you that your child would like to earn.

Where Can I Get a Mask?

Online

There are numerous options online. Below are some more popular websites, and a web search can lead you to many other vendor: OldNavy.com, zazzle.com, cubcoats.com, amazon.com, etsy.com, fanatics.com, Disney.com

Medical Appointments

Once you arrive for your appointment you will likely be offered a mask. If not, you can request it from the front desk, or whomever you see first. You could also see if they can send you the mask ahead of your appointment, so you can practice with your child.

Local County/Town Options

A quick search on the internet can give you specific ideas for where to get a mask in your county. Sometimes at no cost. Calling your local fire department, town hall, or local community center may also be a good place to start. You can also reach out to your social clubs or religious groups you may belong to and ask if anyone is making them. If you neighborhood uses Nextdoor or has a Facebook page you can ask for suggestions there as well.

Local Stores

Most grocery stores and pharmacy chains now offer protective gear such as masks.

One Final Note

Wearing a mask is hard for a lot of people, and can be really hard for children. You can pick and choose what tips here might work best for you and your child. If your child has special needs, we encourage you to talk to your child's therapists and healthcare providers before exploring these options.

This toolkit was developed by licensed psychologists at the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

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A Toolkit For Helping Your Child Wear A Mask During COVID-19 - Resource Directory - Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics - Golisano Children's Hospital - University of Rochester Medical Center

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Wearing a mask is important and will help us stop the spread of COVID-19. Most places are requiring people to wear a mask right now. As you start to go out more, you may worry about your child's safety and ability to wear a mask.

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An important skill for our young children is to develop their vocabulary regarding feelings. Label your own emotions. Label emotions you see in your child. Label emotions you see in pictures and books.

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GRATITUDE SCAVENGER HUNT (adapted from The Contemplative Monk). 

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GRATITUDE SCAVENGER HUNT (adapted from The Contemplative Monk). 

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Learning about emotions is incredibly important for young children - it helps them to express themselves, to understand how others might feel, to develop empathy. Here is a fun way to learn about emotions:

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Sesame Street: Emotions Dance | Abby's Dance Party #2

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LEARNING CAN HAPPEN ALL DAY LONG ... 16 EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES THAT TOTALLY COUNT AS LEARNING!

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LEARNING CAN HAPPEN ALL DAY LONG ... 16 EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES THAT TOTALLY COUNT AS LEARNING!

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More and more, it seems like requirements like homework and summer packets are becoming an unreasonable ask of families. (And maybe they always have been.) But how much do those kinds of assignments really matter? I'd venture to say not that much. I think we'd be better served by encouraging a variety of everyday activities that are 1)more likely to happen and 2)have learning benefits. These kinds of activities have their limits (kids aren't going to learn calculus from cooking dinner), but overall, you can feel good about kids furthering their learning through these at-home activities.

Cooking and baking

There are a variety of subjects to be learned in the kitchen. There's the practical skills of being able to prepare a meal for yourself or your family, but there is plenty of academic content involved as well, like math, science, and vocabulary. Little ones can practice counting, sequencing, measuring, and even build their fine motor skills. Older students can work on fractions, conversions, and chemistry (from boiling points to the yeast's reaction with sugar).

Meal planning

Before heading to the grocery store, kids can plan a menu and create a shopping list. They're learning responsibility, sure, but they're also getting quite a bit of math. For example, they may need to convert a recipe that feeds four to one that feeds their family of six. Integrate nutrition by requiring each meal to have a protein, whole grain, and vegetable. You can also give them a budget and have them place an online grocery order.

Budgeting

Speaking of budgets, it's always a good time to incorporate some financial literacy into at-home learning. Young children can try the "three jars" method: one for saving, one for spending, and one for sharing (have them pick a cause that's important to them). Kids with allowances and teens with income from a job should do some simple budgeting. Apps like Mint are pretty user-friendly.

Checking the weather forecast

For easy early statistics instruction, look no further than the weather app on your phone or your local news station. Talk to kids about predictions based on data and how meteorologists forecast the weather. Have them look up weather phenomena they hear about and words they don't know. Extend the learning by having kids create their own weather journal.

Building with LEGO

LEGO bricks have STEM written all over them. Kids who build with LEGO sets learn to use basic materials to complete a task. And following those directions is no easy feat! They can even come up with their own ideas (a bridge! a skyscraper!) and use engineering concepts to bring it to life. LEGO bricks can also be used to teach all kinds of math concepts.

Playing card games

Card games can help children learn everything from arithmetic and shape recognition to strategy and social skills. Many card games require serious critical thinking. Our favorites for the younger set include memory, old maid, and go fish. Older kids can learn more complicated games, such as rummy or pinochle.

Playing board games

Board games have all kinds of benefits, such as learning the art of losing and winning gracefully, but they're also a great brain booster. Games like Chutes and Ladders and Candyland help our youngest learners with one-to-one correspondence. For kids struggling with language, games like Scrabble and Boggle can provide much-needed practice. Strategy games such as Settlers of Catan, Risk, and (of course) chess, get that frontal cortex working.

Doing puzzles

Puzzles are a fun challenge and an incredible educational tool. Those big, chunky puzzles for little ones build hand-eye coordination, small muscle control, and spatial awareness. Jigsaw puzzles can help older kids with spatial reasoning and problem-solving. Because they require so much attention to detail, they can also promote a longer attention span.

Imaginative play

There's no such thing as "just" playing. All play is learning. Imaginative play, such as dress-up, doll play, and role play, promotes creativity and emotional, social, and language development. And those skills are precursors to academic learning. Big kids can get in on the action (and benefits), too, with highly involved role-play games like Dungeons & Dragons.

Listening to music

Music just makes everyone happier, but it's more than a dose of feel-good medicine (although, frankly, that should be reason enough). Research shows that pleasurable music is able to influence task performance . To get the full benefits of music, go beyond just listening and try singing along, dancing, and/or clapping. In other words, you have full dance party permission.

Reading

There's no such thing as too much reading. Let kids read whatever they want: picture books, magazines, graphic novels, even nutrition labels. Why? Because the amount of free reading done outside of school is positively correlated with growth in vocabulary, reading comprehension, and fluency.

Coloring, drawing, painting

Trending adult coloring books tell us everything we need to know about the healing power of coloring. It's a great de-stressor for kids, too. On top of that, it improves motor skills and spatial awareness. Drawing and painting foster creativity at the same time they teach concepts like line, shapes, colors, perspective, and forms.

Listening to podcasts or audiobooks

Podcasts and audiobooks stimulate kids' imaginations (because there's no visual component) and can even improve their reading skills (listening while reading along can help with decoding). There are tons of entertaining podcasts for kids with an educational bent. Check out our list of best podcasts for kids.

Writing letters or emails

Composing letters or emails is a great way to teach the mechanics of writing. Kids have to be thoughtful, plan out what they want to say, and figure out the best way to communicate that. Spelling and grammar must be correct for the recipient to understand.

Taking a walk

Learning to take care of one's physical self is a critical part of any child's education. Taking a walk keeps kids healthy in both body and mind. If you want to make the experience more educational, make it a nature walk and have kids document their observations.

Cleaning and doing chores

Participating in housework teaches those all-important life skills that will help kids to grow into independent adults. It also builds a strong work ethic and time management skills. When kids have to figure out how to fit the dishes in the dishwasher or sort socks, they engage in problem-solving.

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16 Everyday Activities That Count as Learning

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More and more, it seems like requirements like homework and summer packets are becoming an unreasonable ask of families. (And maybe they always have been.) But how much do those kinds of assignments really matter? I'd venture to say not that much.

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WHEN HOME BECOMES A CHILD'S ENTIRE WORLD

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WHEN HOME BECOMES A CHILD'S ENTIRE WORLD

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We are living in uncertain times and with uncertainty can come anxiety, which can affect the way we interact with and parent young children. Consider how your child or the young children in your life will look back at this moment in time five years from now. Will they remember long walks and snuggling with a good book? This is an opportunity to create special memories, to build deeper social connections every day, to appreciate time with each other and to have fun.

Managing your own stress

Young children can sense your stress; they may see it in your body, hear it in your voice or experience it with your actions. When you remain calm and reassuring, you help children feel safe. When stressed, find someone you feel safe to talk to about your fears and worries, and avoid talking about them in front of your children. But it is OK for children to see you experiencing emotions. Use this as an opportunity to name your emotion and model ways to cope, such as, "I just read some news that made me nervous. I am going to take some deep breaths right now to feel better. Want to join me?" Some strategies for managing your own stress are:

* Manage your "self-talk." When you are worrying about events outside your control, it causes your internal stress to increase. So increase your positive self-talk by identifying and sharing your positive accomplishments ("I made a healthy dinner," "We played a new game," "We laughed a lot today"). Search for the good and beautiful things that are happening around you and show gratitude in the moment.

* Remember that stress affects your health and behaviors. This is a time to strengthen your immune system, practice a healthy lifestyle and model this for your children.

* Keep calm, build in breaks and find ways to nurture yourself (e.g. a quiet bath, a cup of tea, five minutes of meditation or prayer).

* Create a "calm down spot" for you and your children. This could be in a corner of the room or under a table. Add special blankets, lotions, calming toys, pillows and stuffed animals.

* Go easy on yourself. Do your best to offer an enriched home environment while your child is out of school, but don't pressure yourself to be the world's best teacher while also being the chef, housekeeper, gardener and activities director.

* Ask for help. Reach out to others when you feel distressed or lonely. When taking a walk, make eye contact and check in with neighbors. Reach out to friends and family. Search for new and interesting ways to build connection with others.

Be informed and communicate appropriately

Stay calm and share accurate information with children about the novel coronavirus. Describe the disease in an age-appropriate way, answer their questions and satisfy their curiosity. Try not to make them more anxious or afraid. Stay informed but avoid exposing children to the news media, especially images. Teach children how to stay safe and healthy, giving them strategies of things they can do and a sense of control: coughing into their elbow, washing their hands while singing happy birthday two times. PBSkids ( www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirus) has some excellent tips for parents and videos for young children.

Create a comfortable, predictable routine

Humans crave predictable routines. They help us feel safe, secure and comfortable. Be sure to set regular times to eat together, to be active and to get plenty of rest. This is not the time to allow children to stay up late or eat poorly. A sense of order is soothing and something we can control. Consider blocks of time every day for book reading, drawing, dancing and cooking. Plan your schedule with your children and allow them to help plan the routine. Limit the amount of screen time while encouraging more social and physical activities.

Teach children to relax their bodies

Your children may be experiencing a wide variety of big emotions. Ask children how they're feeling - take their "emotional temperature" while labeling and validating their feelings. Acknowledge that it's OK for people to experience a wide range of feelings. In order for your child to learn to identify and name emotions, practice by looking through books together and talking about the emotions the characters in the book may be feeling. You can create an emotion book together and you can talk to them about how emotions feel in their body. Try to resist the urge to fix their feelings, patiently listen and let your child know you are really interested.

Young children demonstrate they are stressed in a wide variety of ways. You may notice your child crying more frequently, experiencing nightmares, acting more fearful of being left alone, withdrawing, acting more aggressively or acting like a younger child. If you notice your child appears anxious, offer extra comfort with a hug and gentle words. Teach them ways to cope and relax their body with deep belly breaths, yoga poses, walking, swinging arms, petting animals or playing in warm water.

Play!

Find time every day for children to be joyful and engage in fun activities. Create a sense of normalcy in their days. Through play, children are building their creativity, working on motor, math and problem-solving skills. This can be done through drawing, going on a scavenger hunt, washing dolls/toys, building a blanket fort, blowing bubbles, having a picnic in the backyard, planning a dance party or playing hide and seek. Play is an important tool for helping children cope with stress and anxiety. Maintain your sense of humor by telling jokes, reading funny stories and laughing at silly things that happen in the day. Remember that it's important for you to model for children that a part of managing stress is doing things that lift your spirits and build connection.

Explore new ways to connect

Social distancing doesn't mean social isolation. Stay connected through social messaging, phone calls, going outside, virtual field trips, care packages, art and sending messages to neighbors, friends or the postal worker. Other ways that you and your children can feel connected are by planting seeds, taking care of a pet, making gifts, arranging "digital dinners," donating clothes, washing, watering and caring for indoor plants, cleaning the house and making sure others are doing well and have what they need. We are so fortunate to have technology to help our children connect with friends, family, caregivers and teachers via video chat. Integrate this into your routine regularly. Talk with your child ahead of time to help them plan what they would like to share and questions they want to ask.

Remember each day to focus on what is most important: the health and safety of your family. In uncertain times such as these, take advantage of the opportunity to teach your children that together we can cope with adversity. Focus on the fact that you can model how it's done because, "To the world, you may be just one person, but to one person, you may be the world."

For a list of additional resources, please click here.

Cindi Kaup is the mother of three grown children, serves as the early childhood education coordinator for the Humboldt County Office of Education and prefers she/her pronouns. She holds a Master's degree in early childhood special education from Humboldt State University, has worked in the field of early child development for 30 years and lives in Eureka.

Editor's note: This is one of three columns this week looking at how to maintain wellness for you and your family while shelter in place. Find the other parts here and here.

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We are living in uncertain times and with uncertainty can come anxiety, which can affect the way we interact with and parent young children. Consider how your child or the young children in your life will look back at this moment in time five years from now.

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HOW CAN I HELP MY YOUNG CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AT HOME? 

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HOW CAN I HELP MY YOUNG CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AT HOME? 

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Amid the COVID-19 crisis, you may be a parent or caregiver of a young child with special needs who was previously attending a child care center, preschool program, or receiving other services. You may now be caring for your child at home with few outside supports-and this can feel overwhelming.

We know young children thrive in predictable environments. When a child knows what will happen, he feels confident and empowered to do what is expected and participate appropriately. You child's classroom or childcare program uses these strategies all the time. Routines for circle time, snacks, lining up, and playtime support children because they happen in much the same way from day to day. Children get a sense of the schedule through repetition but are often reminded of it with visual cues and verbal reminders.

While all children benefit from consistent routines, children with disabilities often rely on them more. Some children with disabilities have trouble with change, so keeping transitions predictable is key. Other children may have difficulty understanding verbal directions; visual directions and predictability are very helpful for them. Some children with cognitive disabilities have trouble understanding ideas of past, present, and future, and they rely on predictable events to help mark the passage of time.

So, if you are faced with adding structure to your child's day, here's a simple step-by-step plan to add some to your new normal. As you begin, remember that it needs to work for you and your family. You probably have a lot of demands on your time and attention right now. Start with something that's not too ambitious and build upon it as you are able, if you are able. Any effort you make is something to be proud of in these trying times.

Get Ready to Begin the Day

Do your best to keep your morning routines (waking up, eating, getting dressed) as similar as possible to what you have been doing. While it may seem as if there's no great reason to get up, wash breakfast dishes, or get dressed at the same time, these events have served as cues to your young child that the day is beginning. Maintaining these routines provides comfort and reassurance.

Decide on a "Start" and an "End" to Your Day

If you try to structure your day from 5 a.m. to midnight, you will wear out quickly! A typical day in childcare or preschool starts at 8 or 9 a.m. and ends at 3 to 4 p.m., even earlier if it's a half-day program. Determine how much of your child's day was scheduled or structured before you were home and use that or a shorter amount of time as a starting point.

Build a Schedule

It can be helpful to create a schedule when you have time to think without interruption, such as when children are asleep. It may take time to brainstorm ideas. It also can be helpful to bounce ideas off friends or family members.

When you plan, considering using Post-it notes, notebook paper and pencil, or an electronic document so you can create several different schedules until you find one that works for you.

As you plan, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Consider your child's attention span as well as your need for independence and work time. Start with 30-minute increments. If those blocks seem too long, try 20 minutes; if they seem too short, try 45 minutes.

Here are some examples for balancing the type of activities in your schedule.

Balance a high-energy activity (Go Noodle) with a calm activity (reading).

Balance an independent activity (watching TV) with an adult-led activity (FaceTime with Grandma).

Balance an inside activity (a board game) with an outside activity (chalk drawing).

Balance self-care activities (snacks, nap) with learning activities (playing, drawing).

As you plan, remember that what you select needs to work for you and your whole family. You may find yourself with more time to play with your child than usual, or you may find that work and other obligations require a lot of your attention. Build a plan that takes everyone's needs into account and remember you are already working very hard to get through a difficult situation. There's no need to feel guilty that you're not doing enough.

Communicate the Schedule You Have Created to Your Child

As adults, we use tools such as calendars and clocks to keep track of our day. Young children, including those with disabilities, also need to mark time and understand what is happening, but adult tools often don't work for them. Follow these steps instead:

Use line drawings, clip art, or photographs to create a visual schedule. If you have access to a printer, use your photographs or clip art found online to create your visuals. For example, a photograph of your child's place setting can represent "lunch." Index cards of any size are ideal for posting your images, but any type of paper can work. As you create, don't stress about making it "perfect."

Post your schedule in a place that you see often and at your child's eye level, such as a refrigerator or front door.

Select a common auditory cue that accompanies a transition in the schedule. For example, ring a bell, sing a simple song, or ask your smart home device to set an alarm. If you are able, tell your child that a transition is coming ("We're going inside in five minutes").

Use Your Schedule and Celebrate

Having a schedule in your home may feel odd at first, but it may also help your young child feel proud and even more connected to you. For example, during "reading" time on your schedule, you might get some work reading done along with your child. Playtime or chores can be shared and enjoyable experiences. During screen time, you might check your e-mail while your child uses a tablet.

At the end of your scheduled day, celebrate with a hug or high five. Following a routine is rewarding, but it takes effort. A collective "we did it!" is in order.

Get Ready to End the Day

Similar to getting ready in the morning, keeping your child and family's bedtime routine as similar as possible can provide comfort and predictability. Familiar routines signal to your child that the day is over and it is time to rest.

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Helping Young Children With Disabilities During a Trying Time: Adding Structure and Routine | Illinois Early Learning Project

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Amid the COVID-19 crisis, you may be a parent or caregiver of a young child with special needs who was previously attending a child care center, preschool program, or receiving other services. You may now be caring for your child at home with few outside supports-and this can feel overwhelming.

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HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD UNDERSTAND WHAT IS HAPPENING IN OUR WORLD RIGHT NOW?                         Here's a little story for your child to help them cope with the need to stay inside.

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HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD UNDERSTAND WHAT IS HAPPENING IN OUR WORLD RIGHT NOW?                         Here's a little story for your child to help them cope with the need to stay inside.

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Time to Come In, Bear: A Children's Story About Social Distancing

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HOW CAN I GET MY CHILD TO FOLLOW MY DIRECTIONS?                     We all want to have some control over our lives, so here's a great way to encourage your child to cooperate:  give them choices. You can say, "It's time to clean up. Do you want to clean up the blocks or the cars?" "We need to go inside soon. Do you want to play for 2 more minutes or 5 more minutes? I'll set the timer." "Let's go get ready for bath time. Do you want to pretend to be a butterfly or a bunny on our way to the bathroom?"

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HOW CAN I GET MY CHILD TO FOLLOW MY DIRECTIONS?                     We all want to have some control over our lives, so here's a great way to encourage your child to cooperate:  give them choices. You can say, "It's time to clean up. Do you want to clean up the blocks or the cars?" "We need to go inside soon. Do you want to play for 2 more minutes or 5 more minutes? I'll set the timer." "Let's go get ready for bath time. Do you want to pretend to be a butterfly or a bunny on our way to the bathroom?"

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SING, SING, SING!        Most young children love music and songs, and in school we use music and songs for teaching and engaging them. Here are some great ones that you can sing at home.

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SING, SING, SING!        Most young children love music and songs, and in school we use music and songs for teaching and engaging them. Here are some great ones that you can sing at home.

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The family armed with an arsenal of catchy, classic kids' songs never need fear the long road trip or interminable snow day. Singing songs with your kids is a great way to pass the time while also staying connected. But what are the best kids' songs, the ones parents can sing without having to think too hard about it? Children's songs are, by definition, supposed to be easy, but which songs can parents really sing - and enjoy singing? What are good songs to sing to a baby? How about songs for older kids? What are best kids' songs of all time?

Next time your kids want to hear "Baby Shark" or "Let It Go" for the one-millionth time, take matters into your own hands. Instead of just hitting play on an hour-long YouTube video that has all of the kids' nursery rhymes queued up, which you know will drive you insane, sing to your kids or with your kids. You can sing along to a song, go a capella in front of their crib, or each take up a verse. Singing will help you bond with your kids and maybe make some of those nursery songs a little less annoying, so you better start practicing your Do-Re-Mis.

50. "The ABC Song"

You don't just say your ABCs. You sing them. Maybe if you sing this song enough for your kids, their brains will absorb it? You could also sing it backward to test your brainpower.

49. "Be Our Guest"

If you're getting tired of the nursery rhymes or repetitive songs, switch it up with this little number from Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Do your best fake French accent and channel Lumière. This would certainly make serving your kids food more fun.

48. "The Bear Necessities"

This Jungle Book song about forgetting your worries and strife and eating ants. Kids are all about the bear necessities.

47. "This Old Man"

The weirdest nursery rhymes also happen to be the funniest. Your kids will dissolve into giggles when you sing "knick-knack patty-whack." You get bonus points if you manage to utter that line without smiling.

46. "Here Comes the Sun"

To keep your sanity, add the Beatles into your daily singing routine. This song is sweet and will hopefully instill a sense of calm into your kids (and you).

45. "She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain"

If you want to add any motions to go along with this classic song, we suggest pretending to gallop around the room.

44. "Baby Beluga"

This song isn't as prominent as "Wheels on the Bus" and gives you the opportunity as a parent to explain to your kids what the heck a beluga is.

43. "Un Poco Loco"

Because sometimes your kids can drive you a little crazy. You could even make this Coco song a duet with your partner or kids.

42. "This Land Is Your Land"

"This Land Is Your Land" is a classic patriotic song that doesn't require you to have a wide vocal range like "Star Spangled Banner." Your kids will probably learn this song in school later.

41. "Take Me Out to the Ballgame"

Not all sports have their own song, but baseball does. While you're teaching your kids about the right team to support (yours), you can sing this seventh-inning stretch song.

40. "I'm a Little Teapot"

This nursery rhyme is simple, short and a surprisingly good lesson on the mechanics behind pouring tea.

39. "When You Wish Upon a Star"

Jiminy Cricket's song in Pinocchio might make you think about the first time you heard this iconic Disney song. It might mean even more to you as a parent as it perfectly explains what parents wish for their children.

38. "Six Little Ducks"

You better practice your quacks before singing this.

37. "ABC"

This Jackson 5 song has it all: Numbers, letters, musical notes, and life lessons about love.

36. Pat-a-Cake

It's not really "Pat-a-Cake" without the clapping game though.

35. "London Bridge Is Falling Down"

This song might seem a little grim, but, hey, it sure is catchy.

34. "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?"

Kids and adults alike love "Let It Go," but not all of us sound like Idina Menzel. If you'd rather not try to hit Elsa's high notes, "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" is a cute alternative.

33. "The Hokey Pokey"

No one can resist "The Hokey Pokey." It'll also prepare your kids for future dance crazes.

32. "Home on the Range"

You might want to buy a cowboy hat to complete your rendition of this song and play homage to Roy Rogers.

31. "Little Bo Peep"

Sing this nursery rhyme and teach your kids the importance of always watching the sheep. They're tricky.

30. "YMCA"

It's impossible not to sing and dance during the "YMCA." The song might be more difficult to explain though.

29. "Down by the Bay"

This silly, but less popular kids' song is full of fun imagery. A whale with a polka-dotted tail? Kids live for that sort of stuff.

28. "I'm a Believer"

Smash Mouth's cover of this Monkees' song swept the nation in 2001 - all because of a green ogre named Shrek. It still holds up with the newest generation of kids.

27. "Pop Goes the Weasel"

You might not know that "Pop Goes the Weasel" has some lyrics. They're pretty strange, but it's a good addition to your nursery rhymes.

26. "The Farmer in the Dell"

"The cheese stands alone." For a classic children's song, it does end in a pretty cool way.

25. "Twist and Shout"

Introduce your kids to Paul, John, George, and Ringo when they're at a very impressionable age.

24. "Five Little Monkeys"

This song is both a great cautionary tale and a good way to learn numbers.

23. "(How Much Is) That Doggy in the Window?"

This novelty song came out in the '50s, but it still holds up. It might inspire your kids to ask why you won't buy them a puppy though.

22. "Mary Had a Little Lamb"

Before Baby Shark and his family broke the Internet, all the kids loved Mary and her little lamb.

21. "Happy"

Pharrell Williams's song is not technically a kids' song, but as the music video shows, people of all ages love this song. Sing along with Pharrell and inspire your kids to dance to the beat.

20. "The Ants Go Marching"

This song will get your kids ready to stomp around the house and do their best soldier-ant impressions.

19. "Yankee Doodle Went to Town"

We still don't get the feather and macaroni bit either, but it's funny for kids.

18. "Can't Stop the Feeling"

This Justin Timberlake song from the Trolls movie got stuck in everyone's heads in 2016. This catchy tune is easy to sing and nearly impossible not to dance to.

17. "The Bear Went Over the Mountain"

This song has got it all. It's got bears, an epic journey that Bilbo Baggins would approve of and friendship.

16. "Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes"

This is a great song to sing to help educate your younger kids, but it can also be fun. Make it a race to see who can sing the song and do the movements the quickest.

15. "The Muffin Man"

Everyone should know about the famous Muffin Man and his house on Drury Lane, including your kids.

14. "Baby Bumblebee"

This song is funny, strange and a little violent and might need to come with a few disclaimers. Bees are valuable to the environment and licking up bees is probably bad for kids.

13. "You're Welcome"

Channel the arrogant demi-god Maui in Moana. Singing this song is also a great passive-aggressive way to remind your kids to tell you "thank you."

12. "Baa Baa Black Sheep"

This literal black sheep could talk, so this sheep was pretty neat. Emphasis on the "baa" will definitely get you more laughs from your kids.

11. "You Are My Sunshine"

Whether you're singing your kids to sleep or trying to get a smile, this song is sure to do the trick. It's a song that's full of love.

10. "This Is the Way"

Before Daniel Tiger, this song taught kids how to get ready in the morning. It's still an effective teaching tool today.

9. "If Happy and You Know It"

Celebrate happiness with this fun song. Make sure to clap, stamp and shout "hurray!" with enthusiasm. If you can't remember the words, this video below featuring Elmo can help you out.

8. "The Itsy Bitsy Spider"

This classic kids' rhyme and accompanied movements have been covered by Dora, Bart Simpson, and even Southpark. Although the last two examples definitely aren't kid-appropriate, that just goes to show how famous this spider song is.

7. "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star"

This sweet lullaby might require you to go up an octave higher than you're normally used to, but you will be able to send your kids off to dreamland without being too off-key.

6. "Row, Row, Row Your Boat"

This simple song will probably be stuck in your head for the rest of the day after you sing it.

5. "Bingo"

Everyone knows and loves Bingo the dog. This catchy tune is a lot of fun to dance around to with your kids and teaches letters and rhythm. It might be a subtle way to turn your kids into dog people.

4. "Hakuna Matata"

The ode to no worries is of course on this list. Even hearing it as an adult makes you feel just a little bit more lighthearted. You could just sing both Timon and Pumbaa's parts yourself or switch off with your partner.

3. "Old MacDonald Had a Farm"

Kids love this song because it features a great number of barnyard creatures. You could even incorporate stuffed animals into your performance.

This song can get a bit grating after many hours of singing it, but for some reason, kids love the most repetitive songs that exist. Luckily for you, some adults have written multiple verses to this classic kids' song, so you aren't just singing "wheels on the bus" over and over again.

1. "Baby Shark"

This list wouldn't be complete with the smash-hit "Baby Shark." Unfortunately, this song has won over kids all over the world. Its melody, lyrics and dance created a viral sensation. As a parent, you won't be able to escape Baby Shark and its family, so you might as well accept Baby Shark as your new overlord.

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The 50 Best Kids Songs Almost Any Parent Can Sing

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Singing songs with your kids is a great way to pass the time while also staying connected. But what are the best kids' songs, the ones parents can sing without having to think too hard about it? Children's songs are, by definition, supposed to be easy, but which songs can parents really sing - and enjoy singing?

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BIG FEELINGS IN LITTLE PEOPLE.                        During this prolonged time at home, it's inevitable that our little ones are going to have so many strong feelings - anger, boredom, frustration, excitement. Attached is one article focused on teaching children to understand and express their feelings. 

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BIG FEELINGS IN LITTLE PEOPLE.                        During this prolonged time at home, it's inevitable that our little ones are going to have so many strong feelings - anger, boredom, frustration, excitement. Attached is one article focused on teaching children to understand and express their feelings. 

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FILL A BUCKET!               This book, read by the author, gives us a wonderful way to help our children understand what can be done to be kind and compassionate. As you shelter at home, it's a wonderful time to think about those values that you want to nurture in your child.   

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FILL A BUCKET!               This book, read by the author, gives us a wonderful way to help our children understand what can be done to be kind and compassionate. As you shelter at home, it's a wonderful time to think about those values that you want to nurture in your child.   

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"Fill a Bucket" read by author Carol McCloud