ABCDEs of Family Climate

ABCDE is an easy way to remember 5 core strategies for supporting a happy and healthy family during COVID-19. When you click each strategy below, you’ll see many more specific tips. These are simple things you can do every day to strengthen your relationships with young children, help them feel safe and protected during uncertain times, and promote development and learning.

The strategies presented here are based on the CHILD. The CHILD is a comprehensive toolkit for early child care and education professionals. It includes an observational measure and other professional development resources. On this website, we’ve adapted the CHILD principles for parents and caregivers to use at home.

Attention

Attend to emotions: your own and your children’s.

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Brain-building

Build healthy brains by capitalizing on authentic learning opportunities that target all domains of development: physical, cognitive, social, and emotional. 

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 Communication

Communicate effectively by considering what you say, how you say it, and how you act while you say it.

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Directions & routines

Give clear directions and establish predictable routines.

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Enjoyment

Enjoy spending time with your family!