Parenting is hard and can be even more stressful during the COVID-19 pandemic. It's important to focus on what is within our control and lean into the supports we have available.
Learn about prevention and protection guidelines for the reopening of schools during COVID-19.
For specific reopening information and answers to frequently asked questions, visit your school board's website:
Niagara Parents is here for you. Although some of our programs and services have changed due to COVID-19, we're still offering the following services, though some may take place virtually:
Niagara Parents live chat and phone lines are still open. Connect with a public health nurse about your parenting questions.
For more information on parenting during COVID-19, visit:
For more information on pregnancy, childbirth and caring for newborns during COVID-19, visit:
Our kids' worlds have been turned upside down and it leaves us wondering how we begin to talk to our children and reassure them. Check out the three-part series by Dr. Andrea Feller, Associate Medical Officer of Health at Niagara Region Public Health, as she shares tips on how to start a COVID-19 conversation with your child:
Children cope with stress in different ways. They might be anxious, angry, agitated and / or need more attention than usual.
For strategies on how to help your child cope with stress, visit:
Children and parents are all adjusting to a lot of change and a new normal. Here are resources that provide information on how to cope during this time:
It's normal for something like the COVID-19 pandemic to affect your mental health. Everyone will cope in their own way but it's very important to have coping strategies in place. Visit our mental health page for a full list of mental health resources and supports.
If you or your child are experiencing thoughts of suicide or harming yourself, call 911.
If you are in crisis, call the Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST) at 1-866-550-5205 or Pathstone Mental Health 24/7 line at 1-800-263-4944.
Other telephone and text options include:
For some, home is not a safe place. Abuse can take many forms. If you, or someone you know is being abused or need helps, reach out to one of the many resources for women and children in need.
For emergency dental health information, call the Niagara Region Dental Health Line at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7962.
To see how much physical activity your child should be getting, even while at home, visit Caring for Kids.
For ideas on how to keep kids active at home during this time, visit Active for Life.
For virtual summer camp information and registration, visit Niagara Families.
For healthy eating tips at this time, visit Health Canada to find more information.
Other resources during the COVID-19 pandemic include:
School based clinics were cancelled this spring due to school closures and redeployment of Public Health staff.
Contact your health care provider to discuss your child(ren)s vaccination. If you don't have one, contact a local walk-in clinic about vaccine availability.
Public Health doesn't require schools to collect and submit student vaccination records. Parents or legal guardian's of junior and senior kindergarten registrants and students new in Ontario are asked to report their vaccinations to Public Health.