Involving Children in the (Virtual) Worshipping Community
In March, as houses of worship were responding to the COVID-19 outbreak, my congregation scrambled to discover ways to worship without gathering in person. We hoped that the entire worshipping community would experience a smooth transition from worship in the sanctuary to worship at home. For adults, we trust that worship will feel right through the familiar weave of music, prayer, scripture, and sermon. But for children?
New Online Resource!
Bring a Dove's Nest speaker to your faith community—virtually! In this time when so many churches are meeting online, Dove's Nest is excited to be able to offer a new sermon / short training resource. Creating Safety for Children and Vulnerable Adults provides tips on how to make our churches safe spaces, including information about caring for each other during the COVID-19 pandemic and resources available to aid in prevention efforts and help support survivors. Find out more ...
Are the Kids Okay During the Pandemic?
11 Ways to Keep Children and Youth Safe While They’re at Home
By Dove's Nest Staff
Children and youth need protection now more than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to school closures, economic stress, and unmet childcare needs, leaving many parents in a lurch. It’s not surprising that child abuse, neglect, and domestic violence are predicted to increase ... Read more.
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS:
- The Mennonite: 10 Ways to Keep Kids Safe with Virtual Learning
- MCC: Living Creatively and Joyfully with Children (Even Indoors)
- American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children: COVID-19 Resources
- Common Sense Media: Mental Health for Kids
- Darkness to Light: Safe Online Learning blog and 30-min Online Training: Protecting Children During a Crisis
- Safe Church Ministry: Are You (And Your Church) Safe and Secure Online?
- Stop It Now: COVID-19 Resources for Parents and Caregivers to Help Keep Children Safe
- Stop It Now: Safety in COVID-19 Times Video 1
- CASA & Prevent Child Abuse Arizona: Tips to Engaged Children in Video Calling
- Circle of Grace curriculum: Contact Kathy [at] dovesnest.net for new Circle of Grace material designed for home use for licensed organizations' families during this time of social distancing.
- The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children: COVID-19 Resources
- Amy Lynn Smith, Dove's Nest Speaker Bureau Member: Child Safety During COVID-19 Crisis
- Zero to Three: Tips for Families
- Essayontime: The Best Online Resources for COVID Quarantine and Isolation Period
POSITIVE PARENTING:
- Aha! Parenting Blog: Practical solutions for real parenting problems
- Psychology Today: Sheltering with a Teen
- UNICEF's Tips for Parenting during the COVID-19 Outbreak: Ideas to Help Parents and Caregivers Do the Most Important Job in the World
- Washington Post: Expert Advice for Sheltering with a Toddler
- Zero to Three: Tips for Families: Coronavirus
COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN:
- Child-Friendly Virus Explanation PDF
- A Kid's Book About, Inc.: A Kids Book about COVID-19 (age 4 and up)
- Nosy Crow: Coronavirus: A Book for Children
COVID-19 AND FAITH FOR CHILDREN:
- Mennonite Early Childhood Network: Making Faith Sense in Strange Times
- Small Tall Music: Singalongs on Facebook