Just Checking In, Friends

​I just wanted to write a quick check-in. I have been keeping to home with 4 children out of school and my husband working from home since mid-March. I've had thoughts of things I could be writing to put good information out there, but I really wanted to be sure I'm taking care of my own family first, sort of like making sure I don't have a rod in my eye while I point out the speck in others' as the Bible says. Thankfully, I can report we are doing okay. If this had happened a year ago when I had two children with pretty significant behavioral health concerns I would not be saying that. We have come a long way in a year with good therapies. I've written 2 articles which will be linked below about how to cope with stress and how to be the buffer for your child and others during this time and I'd love it if you'd share those with others. I am getting ready to start a fellowship in Development Behavioral Pediatrics this July 1st. I'm really excited to get started (and get out of the house!) but I am also mentally preparing that we are likely to see a major uptick in pediatric mental and behavioral health needs in the next few months and years. Unfortunately, some parents are not prepared to be the buffer for their child in a time of stress and we are likely to see an increase in child abuse going on. It may not be reported right now as kids aren't seeing the adults who normally report, but there will be the consequences to deal with for years to come. What can you do to help? There are a lot of nonprofits who work in this area that need continued funding during economic downturns. But closer to home, I want to encourage you all to be reaching out to family and friends who have kids at home, and if you have the ability to relieve some of their stress, do it. We are supposed to be social distancing, but in times of crisis especially, people should still be able to rely on their circle of support that includes extended family and friends who live close by. Don't be afraid to help those who need it. Get to know your neighbors from a distance and just look out for others.