Connecting Remotely and Being Responsive to Families

The December newsletter from the Center for the Developing Child at Harvard University landed in my inbox this morning. One of the articles addressed a concern I've had about how to grow relationships with the families in my community when we aren't meeting face to face in Storytime or in the Children's Area at the library. We can be part of the effort to build resilience in children and their families. For tips, read the article Building Responsive Relationships Remotely. It is part of a larger Guide to COVID-19 and Early Childhood Development, which includes the helpful How to Help Families and Staff Build Resilience During the COVID-19 Outbreak.

Serve and return, a responsive way of engaging with children and families, is mentioned in both articles. While we can't do everything, especially as we may be facing stress and struggles of our own, simply being a responsive adult to those we serve will help.