IMPORTANT: Coping, Connection and Strength with Park Slope Parents

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

Given these current uncertain times, we wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the severity of not just the health concerns around coronavirus but also the emotional fallout. We will leave the dissemination of medical information to the best resources (CDC, NYC.gov, WHO, DOE), but we did want to highlight some of the more emotional aspects of the spread of COVID-19 and what you can do to mediate it.

There’s a ton of uncertainty right now… which can be stressful and emotional. Worrying about elderly relatives and immunocompromised family members and friends is real. There is also a lot of concern about possible school closures, financial repercussions, travel plans, working situations, and childcare issues. This stress can impact our mood, health, and interactions with others. 

We need to be diligent with our hygiene to protect ourselves and others... this takes extra work. This includes staying home when you or your kids are sick; washing your hands; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; conscientious cleaning; and not shaking hands. These measures, albeit necessary, take extra time and attention in our already busy lives and can add an emotional toil as well.

You and your kids may be disappointed and sad… and that’s understandable. Local as well as school events are being cancelled, some schools have closed, and there may be family trips, parties, and meetups you’re not attending. While it’s important we keep people safe, and not the end of the world to skip an event, know that not interacting with friends and family can upset kids (and grown-ups). Acknowledging our own disappointment and our kids’ disappointment is part of this coping.

What can we do to get through these stressful times?

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How to Remember Your Reusable Bags

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Parent Category: Home Life

Category: Shopping and more

Come March 1, 2020, New Yorkers will be required to BYOB—bring your own bag, that is. In a state where over 23 billion plastic bags are used every year, the bag waste reduction law—which bans all plastic carryout bags from distribution by anyone who collects New York State sales tax—aims to mitigate harm on our communities and the environment. (NOTE: this law doesn't apply to restaurants.) There's just one problem: How in the world are we going to remember our reusable bags when we go to the store? Below, PSP members offer helpful hints.

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