\u201cParents are dealing with many issues right now,\u201d said Penhallow, who with DiFonte is part of the äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾\u2019s College of Health Sciences<\/a>. \u201cWorking from home while balancing childcare and homeschooling, changes in finances, children home all day, caring for relatives, daily chores, and social distancing plus worry about the coronavirus is very stressful for parents, especially parents of young children.\u201d<\/p>\n The idea for the webinar came from Penhallow and students looking to make the most meaningful use of their time while remote teaching and learning are happening on the äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ campus and across the country as a result of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) crisis. With many internships curtailed as a result of the crisis, the webinars allow students to make up hours by sitting in on the discussion and completing an assignment, while also putting their knowledge to use helping parents in the community.<\/p>\n Gianna Chaves \u201820, of East Greenwich<\/strong>, who is double-majoring in human development and family studies and philosophy, expressed her appreciation at being part of the project. \u201cI\u2019m very grateful to be able to participate,\u201d she said. \u201cIt is a great way to be productive and to help others at the same time. Giving parents an opportunity to talk with those going through the same thing and to hear from people with expertise in the area can make a difference in alleviating some of the stress and anxiety they may be feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n Given the level of anxiety across the nation, Penhallow says a common concern she hears is how to explain what is happening to children. Some specific advice she gives parents:<\/p>\n![\"Phyllis](\"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news-draft\/wp-content\/uploads\/news\/sites\/16\/2021\/05\/Phyllis-desk.jpeg\")
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