Parents and Caregivers
Parent and Caregiver Resource Guide
As parents and caregivers, you face particular challenges as the return to school approaches and as you continue to care for and support family, friends and community members who might also be struggling during the pandemic. The Washington State EAP recommends these resources with the goal of continuing our support of state and public employees, and with the hope that they provide some guidance and relief. The inclusion of these resources is not intended to reflect their particular importance, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed or products or services offered.
EAP is here to support you during these very challenging times. Help starts here.
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EAP Resources
The EAP site is rich with resources to support you and your efforts to manage and cope with personal and work life challenges. Below are just a few of the resources you'll find on the EAP's web site. For a complete list of resources, tools, webinars and publications.
- COVID-19 Resources
- Webinar – Parenting and Family Challenges: Helping Yourself and Your Family through COVID-19
- Webinar – Navigating Change in Challenging Times
- Webinar – Self-Care with the Washington State EAP
- Free Legal and Financial Services through EAP Work/Life Resources (available to most agencies)
State Resources
Washington State provides state-wide resources to help you navigate the ever-changing realities of the pandemic. Below are two resources in support of the mission to provide up-to-date information about COVID-19 and to support stress management and coping due to COVID-19.
- Washington State Coronavirus Response
- Washington Listens for people experiencing stress due to COVID-19 – call 833-681-0211
School and Child Care Information
Back-to-school is traditionally a time of both excitement and stress, but the pandemic has increased parents' and caregivers' stress levels heading into the coming school year. Below are some resources to assist with navigating the child care and education landscape.
- Finding Care for your Child during the COVID-19 Emergency (DCYF)
- COVID-19 Guidance and Resources for schools, students, and families (OSPI)
- Special Education Guidance (OSPI)
- Washington Federation of Independent Schools COVID-19 Resources
- Washington Student Achievement Council COVID-19 Resources
Supporting Children
The below resources will help you help your children have a successful school year.
- Help Children Learn at Home (CDC)
- Tips to Ease Back-to-School Anxiety (Johns Hopkins University and Medical Institutions)
- Supporting Your Child's Mental Health as they Return to School During COVID-19 (UNICEF)
- Fun and Educational School Activities (Virtual School Activities)
Supporting Parents and Caregivers
Preparation, planning and managing expectations can help parents and caregivers get through a school year destined to present new challenges.
- Back-to-School Checklist (CDC)
- Parenting and Caregiving (American Psychological Association)
- Creating Realistic Expectations During Unreal Experiences (Cook Children's)
- Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with COVID-19 (NCTSN)
Special Considerations
Substance Use
Increased stress can result in unhealthy ways of coping. Alcohol and substance use often go hand in hand with increased stress. Below are some resources to help identify alcohol and substance use concerns and to get support.
- Alcohol and Substance Use (CDC)
- Rethinking Drinking (National Institutes of Health)
Mental Health
The pandemic poses new challenges for maintaining mental health. The below resources provide support when you or someone you care for is in crisis.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – call 800-273-8255
- Crisis Text Line – to Connect with a Crisis Counselor, text "Heal" to 741741
Domestic/Intimate Partner Violence
Concerns about – and incidents of – domestic/intimate partner violence have increased during the pandemic. The below resource is provided to promote the safety and well-being of targets of violence.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline – call 800-799-7233