Mom Coach shares keys to keeping family sane in quarantine

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. - Hannah Keeley is known online as America’s #1 Mom Coach. The mother of seven runs an online academy where she provides help for exhausted parents, many of whom find themselves taking on a dual role of teacher.

Her first bit of advice: relax.

"What's most important as far as educating your children is that they're watching you," Hannah said. “They're watching how you respond to chaos, to crisis, to unprecedented times."

Hannah called this is an opportunity for parents to take advantage.

"They're going to see you go into this time with a certainty and confidence they can adapt in their own lives," she said.

One way to do that is to find things you all like to do, then dive right in.

"We're doing painting, we're doing more writing, we're being really creative with how we're doing things," she said.

Educational games are good for learning and having fun. Planting gardens teaches about nature and can be calming for parents and kids.

"The great thing is that education kind of just slips in the backdoor when you're doing those things that you're passionate about," Hannah said. "What a great time to discover what your kids are passionate about."

Hannah also said whether it's yoga, meditation, or just alone time, find time to do it. Staying mentally healthy will go a long way for your kids.

"Are we going to think, 'Oh my gosh, this is so chaotic! That was such a crisis! Oh my gosh, that freaked me out!'. Or are we going to look back and say what a great time. We could slow down, center ourselves and spend some time with our families."

Building that perspective is Building Better Minds.

COVID-19 Precautions

Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.

COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.

Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid contact with sick people.Avoid non-essential travel.