Below please find a series of supports, resources and tips for families or parents parenting alone during the COVID-19 alert.

Askonefamily Helpline

People Parenting Alone, Sharing Parenting and Separating

The national askonefamily helpline provides listening support to people who are parenting alone, co-parenting or separating and are finding themselves in distress during COVID-19.

It also offers information on: social welfare, finances, family law, housing, education, childcare, parenting, and mediation.

The helpline is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 1pm and 2pm- 3.30pm and can be accessed on 1890 662 212 or 01 662 9212  or by email at info@onefamily.ie and also through Direct Mail (DM) on Facebook.

Find further info on the One Family website here.

Guidelines to Help Parents Parenting Alone
One Family have put together a series of guidelines to help parents parenting alone during COVID-19.
  • Parenting during Covid-19 – read here
  • One-Parent Families and Covid-19 – read here
  • Caring for your children if you get sick – read here
  • Talking to your child about becoming seriously ill – read here

 

NEPS Advice & Resources

Keeping Children and Young People Well During COVID-19

The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) have developed advice and some resources for young people to manage and stay well when schools are closed during COVID-19.

NEPS psychologists have developed guidance for parents supporting children to create new routines at home.
Having a Plan for the Day is key for children/young people to manage and stay well at this time.

NEPS psychologists have also developed advice for parents and schools on talking to children and young people about COVID-19 here.

Find further details here.

Online Safety for Children

While schools are closed and restrictions are in place, it is likely that online activity will have increased in the home for both learning and entertainment purposes. Parents and guardians are reminded that it is important to have a conversation with their child about being safe online.

  • Webwise offers information, practical advice and free education resources addressing a range of internet safety issues and concerns, including the latest online safety advice in relation to COVID-19.
  • BeSafeOnline is the Government’s campaign to highlight ways to help you stay safe online. This webpage provides access to a wide range of Online Safety resources, to support online safety for all

#ImagineNation

Free Playbook

An Post partnered with Children’s Books Ireland to launch the ‘ImagineNation’ playbook, encouraging kids across Ireland to get creative during the COVID-19 alert.

Top artists like the legendary Don Conroy, Niall Breslin, Sarah Crossan, Sheena Dempsey and many more have all contributed to the 24-page book, filled with activities including drawing, writing and mindfulness exercises.
Download the playbook here.

COVID-19 Resources

What To Do If You Are Concerned & Supporting Children and Teenagers

Download the leaflets from the HSE Heads of Psychology below here.