Healthy Kids has partnered with Maine Children’s Trust to launch a new digital campaign to help Maine parents navigate the challenges of parenting, especially amid the current uncertainties brought about by the COVID-19 outbreak. The campaign, titled In It Together Maine, aims to connect Maine parents with local parenting resources that will support them through this difficult time.

Parenting is hard under normal circumstances, but in crisis situations it’s even harder. The onset of the coronavirus outbreak has caused widespread changes to social dynamics as families isolate themselves in their homes, avoiding outside contact. Parents of young and school-age children are uniquely affected, in many cases dealing with educating their children, on top of the stress surrounding the viral outbreak, while potentially managing an active work schedule.

“Parents are wearing many hats these days. It is stressful! This campaign aims to help parents know that they are not alone and that we are here to help,” says Leslie Livingston, executive director of Healthy Kids.

In It Together Maine offers support through a mix of online resources designed to help parents manage the stress of the virus outbreak. The primary arm of the campaign is a comprehensive social media campaign surrounding the In It Together Maine Facebook page, that leads parents to a supportive environment to share their experiences. Other resources available include virtual parenting groups, local services, individual one-on-one parenting tips by email or phone, and a variety of other services offered directly through local partnering organizations.

Support for families is available for free in every county in Maine. Healthy Kids has daily activities for kids of all ages and parenting tips and information twice a week on its Facebook page @healthykidsmaine. Weekly parent groups are available at 8 pm on Monday evenings and 12 noon on Wednesdays through Zoom. The groups are free, facilitated by Healthy Kids educator and are confidential. Any parent can join and ask questions, share, get support or ideas. Email at mcorrell@tidewater.net to get the confidential link. A parenting class for parents of children 0-5 will on Wednesday and Thursday May 20 and 21 at 7pm through Zoom. Registration is required. Call 563-1818 x 3 for more information.

“Joining a chat group can be such a relief to just connect with other parents and know you are not alone,” says Mindy Correll, Healthy Kids Educator. “Getting new ideas on how to keep kids busy or learning more about child development to help with parenting just eases the stress.”

Parents can find information about the campaign or learn more about the resources available to them at inittogethermaine.com Questions can also be directed to Leslie Livingston, Healthy Kids Executive Director at llivingston@tidewater.net or Heidi Aakjer, Maine Children’s Trust’s Assistant Director & Prevention Coordinator, at heidia@mechildrenstrust.org

Healthy Kids is Lincoln County’s parenting resource center and is available to answer individual questions, as well as, continuing the parenting support programs. Call 563-1818 with questions or if you are looking for resources.

Created by the Maine Legislature in 1985, Maine Children’s Trust is a nonprofit organization that supports community-based healthy parenting programs throughout Maine, including Prevention Councils, Maine Families Home Visiting, and more. Support for this project is provided by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. For more information about Maine Children’s Trust, visit www.mechildrenstrust.org