None of us could have imagined what 2020 would be like. Between the global pandemic, the killing of George Floyd and the uprisings in response to his wrongful death and persistent racism, it has been a year that has challenged parents and children alike. How can we help our children cope with the uncertainty of this time? What can we do to help our children process their emotions?

The answer to these questions came late at night for Haitian-American writer and licensed counselor, Jenny Delacruz. As she considered how to support her son through this difficult time, she was flooded with ideas and began writing. What came of her late-night creativity were the ideas for her recently released books and the desire to start a publishing company, so she could print the books her children needed. She is now the CEO of Cobbs Creek Publishing and the author of three books, Momma Can I Sleep with You Tonight, Fridays with Ms. Mélange: Haiti, and How Was Your Summer?

Delacruz joins Marti and Erin this week to discuss the stages of grief, concrete ways to support children and what to expect as our children navigate this difficult time. Join us to hear her inspiring story of creating the books her children needed and how she is giving back to her community.

HOW WILL YOU HELP YOUR CHILD COPE DURING THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES?

In what ways have you noticed your children move through the stages of grief during the pandemic? How might you validate your child's experiences and emotions? If you were going to write the story your children need right now, what would you write about?

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HELPING YOUR CHILDREN (AND YOURSELVES) COPE DURING THE PANDEMIC?

❉ STORY TIME WITH MS. MELANGE. Check out Jenny Delacruz's read-aloud YouTube channel that shares diverse children's picture books with anyone, anytime, and anywhere.

LET’S PLAY THROUGH THIS! TIPS ON COPING WITH THE PANDEMIC THROUGH PLAY. Get expert insight from Kinderberry Hill's Education Coordinator, Sara Reichstadt. She shares creative insights for adding play into your daily life!

❉ HELPING PARENTS COPE WITH THE PANDEMIC. In the face of an unprecedented global crisis that requires children to be home from school, whether they are in preschool or college, and results in a 24-hour news cycle with overwhelming and sometimes terrifying messages, it’s no wonder many parents are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or sad. So, how can we cope as we adjust to new routines, financial challenges, and the risk of infection from the novel coronavirus? Dr. Erin Erickson, co-host of the weekly podcast Mom Enough®, offers tips to help you stay positive and actively address the range of emotions that most parents are feeling during this pandemic.

❉ HELPING FAMILIES COPE DURING THE PANDEMIC. We are all reading about it and listening to stories on the news. Our children are hearing about it too, and they are feeling the impact as they are kept at home and adjusting to new ways of learning. So, how can we stay happy and healthy as we hunker down and protect our families – and those most vulnerable – from COVID-19? Read these practical tips to help your family cope, and make the most of your time together, from family nurse practitioner and parenting coach, Dr. Erin Erickson.

❉ 10 NATURE ACTIVITIES TO HELP GET YOUR FAMILY THROUGH THE PANDEMIC. Our friend, author, Richard Louv wrote this excellent article on nature activities you and your children can do during the pandemic.